Description
Creamy chicken pasta delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending rich flavors with tender protein. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a quick weeknight meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups (475 milliliters) cooked chicken, shredded
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Incorporate shredded chicken into the skillet, stirring continuously and heating for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure even warmth throughout the meat.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gradually blending Parmesan cheese until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce with no visible cheese lumps.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated with the rich sauce.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
- Finish by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley across the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbal freshness to the creamy chicken pasta.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut that adds extra richness to the dish.
- Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding pasta water if it becomes too thick during cooking.
- Consider adding roasted vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for increased nutrition and color variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 616 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg