Get ready to fall in love with the delightful combination of tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta! This recipe brings together juicy Chicken in Pasta Recipes, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, herb-infused sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. With every bite, you’ll savor the comforting flavors that make this dish a family favorite. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend dinner. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking and enjoy some delicious moments together!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this creamy goodness!
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- This one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
- Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a family favorite!
- Customize it with your favorite veggies for extra crunch!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Main Course |
Cuisine: | Italian |
Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
Total Time: | 45 minutes |
Dietary: | Gluten-Free Option Available |
Serves: | 4 |
Best Served: | With Garlic Bread |
Ingredients
- Chicken breast – a lean protein that adds heartiness to your pasta dishes.
- Pasta – choose your favorite type for the perfect base.
- Olive oil – enhances flavor and helps in sautéing ingredients.
- Garlic – adds a fragrant kick to your recipes.
- Bell peppers – provide sweetness and vibrant color.
- Spinach – adds nutrition and a pop of green.
- Parmesan cheese – brings a rich, savory flavor to your dish.
- Chicken broth – a great substitute for wine, adds depth to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
- Red pepper flakes – for a touch of heat, adjust to your preference.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Gather your ingredients: chicken, pasta, veggies, and sauce.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Remove chicken and set aside; in the same skillet, add chopped onions and bell peppers.
Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return chicken to the skillet; add cooked pasta and your choice of sauce.
Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Heat Through
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your delicious chicken pasta and garnish with fresh herbs.
Dig in and enjoy your spectacular dish!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture that holds up in the dish.
- Consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness and balance.
- For creaminess, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.
- Don’t forget to season your chicken well before cooking for maximum flavor.
How to Serve
Delight in your chicken in pasta recipes with these serving suggestions:
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- Enjoy with a refreshing glass of sparkling water infused with lemon.
- Mix in seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
- Try a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Proper storage can help you enjoy your chicken in pasta recipes even after the meal is over.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and type of dish.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best with chicken?
For chicken in pasta recipes, opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. These shapes capture the flavors and create a delightful bite with each forkful.
Can I use leftover chicken in my pasta dish?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred or cube it and toss it into your pasta dish during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through without overcooking. Chicken in Pasta Recipes
What can I substitute for cream in a pasta recipe?
If you’re looking for a creamy texture without using heavy cream, try using Greek yogurt or a blend of milk and cornstarch. These alternatives will give you a rich consistency while keeping it lighter.
How can I make my chicken pasta dish more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor by marinating your chicken beforehand with herbs, garlic, and lemon juice. Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end also brightens up the dish beautifully!
Final Thoughts
Cooking up chicken in pasta recipes is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug! These dishes are not just easy to make, but they also bring a delightful burst of flavor to your table. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and dive into these spectacular meals. Enjoy every bite, and remember, the joy of cooking is all about sharing delicious moments together!
chicken in pasta recipes
Equipment
- 1 Skillet For cooking chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 Pot For boiling pasta.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken breast A lean protein that adds heartiness to your pasta dishes.
Carbohydrate
- 8 ounces Pasta Choose your favorite type for the perfect base.
Fats
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Enhances flavor and helps in sautéing ingredients.
Vegetables
- 3 cloves Garlic Adds a fragrant kick to your recipes.
- 1 cup Bell peppers Provide sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups Spinach Adds nutrition and a pop of green.
Dairy
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Brings a rich, savory flavor to your dish.
Liquids
- 1 cup Chicken broth A great substitute for wine, adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes For a touch of heat, adjust to your preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients: chicken, pasta, veggies, and sauce.
Cook Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Sauté the Veggies
- Remove chicken and set aside; in the same skillet, add chopped onions and bell peppers.Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Return chicken to the skillet; add cooked pasta and your choice of sauce.Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Heat Through
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate your delicious chicken pasta and garnish with fresh herbs.Dig in and enjoy your spectacular dish!