Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Looking for an easy chicken pasta recipe that can be prepared in just 30 minutes? This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with family and friends. Packed with flavor, this meal combines tender, savory chicken with al dente pasta and a creamy sauce. In this article, we will explore the steps to making your own easy chicken pasta at home.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz uncooked penne or fusilli pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Time and Servings

This dish takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. It yields four servings.

Steps to Make Easy Chicken Pasta

Prepare the chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breasts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, start boiling water for the pasta. Once the water comes to a boil, add salt and cook the penne or fusilli according to package instructions until al dente.
Sautee vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are translucent.
Mix chicken broth with cream: Once the pasta is done, strain it in a colander and set aside. In your skillet, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to dissolve any clumps of flour or chicken pieces left behind after cooking the chicken.
Cut and shred chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and has cooled slightly, cut it into bite-sized pieces using tongs. Add these back into your skillet with the sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the reserved pasta into the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld nicely.
Garnish and serve: Once all components are well combined, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot straight out of the pan or on individual plates.

Tips for a Perfect Easy Chicken Pasta

To ensure even cooking time, make sure your chicken breasts are similar in size so they bake simultaneously. If you have larger pieces compared to smaller ones, consider slicing them into uniform strips or cubes first.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta well but not too heavy that it overpowers the texture of the noodles. Adjust cream quantity accordingly based on your preference.

Health Benefits of Chicken Pasta

This dish offers several health benefits due to its balanced composition of lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates in whole wheat pasta, and essential nutrients found in fresh vegetables like garlic and onion. Regular consumption can contribute towards maintaining muscle mass, providing energy through carbs, supporting brain function thanks to antioxidants present in the herbs used during preparation.

Remember always to check food labels carefully when selecting ingredients for your meals to avoid hidden sugars or unhealthy fats which could affect long-term dietary goals positively if managed wisely.

Conclusion

An easy chicken pasta recipe is not only quick but also incredibly delicious. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it provides a perfect balance between taste satisfaction and nutritional value. Whether you are looking for something simple yet impressive to serve guests or simply want a comforting meal after a long day at work, this dish fits perfectly into your culinary repertoire.