Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a simple yet delicious chicken pasta recipe that can be prepared in no time? This Easy Chicken Pasta is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty, nutritious, and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly while delivering exceptional flavor.

Ingredients needed to make this easy chicken pasta are:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced fine
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup of fresh or canned tomatoes (chopped)
• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped finely for garnish

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it is hot, add the diced onions and garlic. Stir frequently until the onions turn golden brown. This step will take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the onions are soft and golden-brown, you can add your chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir occasionally as they cook down for about 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked through.

In a separate pot of salted water, bring the penne pasta to boil. Cook according to package directions; usually, it takes around 9-12 minutes depending on your preference in terms of al dente texture.

While waiting for the pasta to cook and chicken to simmer, you can prepare the sauce. Pour the canned or fresh tomatoes into a bowl along with some salt and pepper. Once the chicken is done cooking, use tongs or a wooden spoon to transfer half of the chicken pieces to the tomatoes in the bowl.

Slice up the remaining chicken and place it back into your skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. This will add another layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

After the pasta finishes cooking, drain off any excess water but reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This extra liquid can help thicken the sauce slightly if needed.

Mix all ingredients together in your skillet - chicken, tomatoes, and cooked penne pasta. Stir gently until everything is well combined. If desired, add some of the reserved pasta water to make sure you have a nice consistency for serving.

For garnishing purposes, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over each serving of pasta before transferring it onto plates. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes like garlic bread or mixed greens salad.

This easy chicken pasta makes approximately four servings and can be prepared within 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Not only does this recipe cater perfectly for busy weeknights, but it also offers flexibility in terms of dietary requirements; feel free to substitute any part of the dish with alternatives like turkey instead of chicken or whole wheat pasta if preferred.

Enjoy your quick and satisfying meal! Whether you're having guests over or just relaxing at home, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, al dente penne, and fresh herbs create a comforting yet hearty meal that can be enjoyed by all family members.

Tips for perfection: For extra creaminess in the sauce, add a little bit of heavy cream when mixing everything together. To make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly without overcooking it, always check with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each piece; ideally, they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).