Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Looking for an easy chicken pasta recipe that can be prepared quickly? This simple yet delicious dish will leave you and your family satisfied and happy after a long day of work or school. With this recipe, you can enjoy a hearty meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
2. Cook Chicken Breasts: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then add them to the hot skillet skin side down. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the chicken, remove from the pan, cover loosely with foil, and let rest while you prepare the sauce.
3. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
4. Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half into the skillet along with basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring frequently. Lower heat so that it doesn't boil too much which could curdle the sauce. Let the sauce reduce slightly by about 1/3.
5. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, toss everything together until well combined. Taste before adding salt or pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Plate the chicken pasta mixture and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each plate if desired. Enjoy your meal hot!

Tips for Success:

• To ensure even cooking, make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F.
• For extra flavor, consider adding more vegetables like carrots or spinach into the sauce. Carrots add natural sweetness that complements well with the creamy texture while spinach adds freshness and color.
• If you prefer less heat, skip adding red pepper flakes during preparation for a milder dish.

Why Choose This Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This easy chicken pasta recipe offers not only convenience but also great nutritional value. Packed with protein from the chicken and complex carbs from the whole wheat pasta, this meal helps sustain energy levels throughout your day without feeling heavy or greasy like other quick fixes might.

The simplicity of ingredients ensures that you can adjust flavors according to personal taste preferences without compromising on quality. Whether served as a main course or paired with a side salad for a more substantial lunch option, this dish provides variety within its straightforward framework. Plus, leftovers make excellent cold cuts for sandwiches the next day!

Healthy Twist:

To enhance your health benefits further, try substituting half-and-half with low-fat milk; use whole wheat pasta instead of refined varieties; and opt for leaner chicken options such as dark meat thighs or even ground turkey if you want to reduce fat intake.

In conclusion, this easy chicken pasta recipe stands out among countless others because of its ease of preparation combined with satisfying flavors. By following these steps closely or experimenting based on individual tastes, anyone can recreate this delightful dish at home effortlessly. So why not give it a try tonight and see how quickly you too can enjoy a comforting evening meal?