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Chicken Pasta

Chicken Pasta
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This quick and versatile chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful sauce, making a comforting and delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Easily customizable with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and satisfies the whole family with rich, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, etc.)

Fats and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Sauce/Base

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or 1 cup cream (choose based on preference)

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, parsley, or thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onions. Prepare fresh herbs and tomatoes if using.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Build the Sauce: In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed and sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent. Add your chosen sauce base—crushed tomatoes, cream, or broth—and simmer to develop flavor.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Sprinkle fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook chicken; cook just until opaque to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  • Use fresh herbs added at the end for freshness and color.
  • Choose thicker or shaped pasta for sauces that cling well.
  • Sauté garlic and onions first for a deep, aromatic sauce base.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick meal, creamy chicken pasta, tomato chicken pasta, family-friendly recipe, one-pot pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/chicken-pasta/