Indulge in a comforting and satisfying culinary experience with our delectable Pasta with Chicken recipe. This classic dish combines tender, succulent pieces of chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and flavourful sauce. The marriage of tender protein and al dente pasta creates a harmonious blend of textures, while the sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and savoury spices, elevates every mouthful to a symphony of taste.
This dish is a celebration of simplicity and heartiness, making it a beloved favourite for gatherings and family dinners alike. Whether you’re seeking a quick midweek meal or preparing for a special occasion, Pasta with Chicken offers both versatility and a touch of culinary elegance.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve a perfectly balanced dish that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you yearning for seconds. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and create a plateful of sheer gastronomic delight!
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (e.g., penne, spaghetti)
- 300g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and add the dried oregano and basil. Stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the tomato mixture to coat.
- Incorporate the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the Pasta with Chicken hot. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavour.
Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Chicken! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips Of Recipe
- Choose the Right Pasta:
- Opt for pasta shapes like penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine that can hold the sauce and complement the chicken.
- Season the Chicken Well:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to ensure it’s well-flavoured.
- Sear the Chicken for Flavor:
- Searing the chicken in a hot pan creates a golden crust and adds a depth of flavour to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through to retain its juiciness. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Use Aromatics:
- Onions and garlic provide a fragrant base for the sauce. Sauté them until they’re soft and aromatic.
- Add Colourful Vegetables:
- Bell peppers not only add colour but also bring a sweet, crunchy element to the dish. Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice.
- Balanced Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried herbs as needed.
- Allow Time for Flavours to Blend:
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld together for a more harmonious taste.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente:
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it’s still slightly firm when bitten. This ensures a nice texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water:
- Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water. It can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce:
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavours.
- Garnish for Visual Appeal:
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil not only add flavour but also enhance the presentation of the dish.
- Experiment with Flavours:
- Feel free to customise the recipe by adding your favourite herbs, spices, or even a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavour.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious and well-balanced Pasta with Chicken. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pasta with Chicken:
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- While boneless chicken is recommended for quicker cooking, you can use bone-in chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before adding it to the dish.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, you can customise the dish by adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavour and nutrients.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine them just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
5. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Make sure to drain them before adding to the dish.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Certainly! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
7. How can I add a bit of heat to the dish?
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use dried herbs. Just remember to use them in smaller quantities, as they tend to be more potent than fresh herbs.
9. How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover Pasta with Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
10. Can I freeze this dish? – While you can freeze Pasta with Chicken, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
These FAQs should provide you with helpful information for making and enjoying your delicious Pasta with Chicken. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Facts
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for one serving (250g) of Pasta with Chicken:
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fibre: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin C: 45mg (50% of daily recommended intake)
- Calcium: 80mg (8% of daily recommended intake)
- Iron: 3mg (40% of daily recommended intake)
- Potassium: 550mg (25% of daily recommended intake)
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. For precise nutrition information, it’s recommended to refer to specific packaging or consult a registered dietitian.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Garlic Bread and Salad:
- Serve the Pasta with Chicken alongside warm garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a well-balanced meal.
- Parmesan and Herb Sprinkle:
- Top the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Steamed Vegetables:
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add extra colour and nutrients to the meal.
- Caprese Salad:
- Pair the dish with a classic Caprese salad made of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:
- Roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and basil and serve them on top of the pasta for an extra burst of flavour.
- Crusty Ciabatta Bread:
- Serve slices of warm, crusty ciabatta bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
- Lemon Zest and Parsley Garnish:
- Grate some lemon zest over the dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a zesty and aromatic touch.
- Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Accompany the pasta with a mixed green salad dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled Asparagus:
- Grill asparagus spears with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve them alongside the pasta for added texture and flavour.
- Glass of White Wine:
- Pair the dish with a chilled glass of your favourite white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Remember, these suggestions are meant to complement the flavours of the dish and provide a well-rounded dining experience. Feel free to mix and match based on your personal preferences and dietary considerations. Enjoy your Pasta with Chicken!
