Description
Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta weaves Italian comfort with zesty herb-infused flavors. Succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned pasta, and fresh herbs create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
Grains and Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or your choice)
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach or cherry tomatoes
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Initiate pasta preparation by immersing noodles in a generously salted boiling water bath. Allow them to dance and soften until achieving perfect al dente texture. Extract noodles carefully, preserving a modest pool of starchy liquid for later culinary magic.
- Transform chicken into a flavor-packed centerpiece by lavishing it with a robust seasoning blend. Activate a skillet with olive oil’s gleaming embrace, then introduce seasoned protein. Sear the chicken until it develops a golden, crisp exterior and reaches optimal internal temperature. Carefully transfer the succulent morsels to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet as a flavor canvas. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to perfume the cooking space. Deglaze with chicken broth, capturing every caramelized remnant clinging to the pan’s surface. Gently invite heavy cream to join the symphony, creating a luxurious sauce that simmers with promise.
- Orchestrate the sauce’s final movement by melting Parmesan into a silky cascade. Adjust seasoning with a discerning touch, balancing salt and pepper. Reunite the reserved chicken and pasta within this creamy sanctuary, gently coating each element. Incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a fluid, elegant consistency.
- Elevate the dish with optional botanical accents – delicate spinach leaves or burst-ready cherry tomatoes can introduce a vibrant counterpoint. Allow these ingredients to briefly mingle and soften within the warm embrace of the sauce.
- Present the culinary creation adorned with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs. Serve immediately, inviting diners to experience a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with additional Parmesan standing by as a luxurious garnish.
Notes
- Customize pasta thickness by choosing different shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni for varied texture and sauce absorption.
- Ensure chicken is perfectly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
- Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, maintaining the creamy sauce’s delicious profile.
- Boost protein content by adding extra lean chicken breast or incorporating grilled shrimp for a seafood twist without compromising the dish’s creamy elegance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg