Easy and Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a staple in many households, and for good reason! It's versatile, affordable, and satisfying. Chicken pasta dishes are particularly popular, offering a protein-packed meal that's quick to make and endlessly customizable. This blog post will explore several easy chicken pasta recipes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. We'll cover variations to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This recipe is a classic for a reason: it's comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
For a lighter, brighter dish, try this zesty lemon garlic chicken pasta recipe. It's perfect for warmer weather.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Spicy Chicken Pasta with Arrabbiata Sauce
This recipe offers a kick! The arrabbiata sauce provides a rich, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Ingredients:
- Similar to the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta but substituting the cream with a jar of Arrabbiata Sauce and adding red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Season generously: Salt and pepper are your friends! Don't be afraid to season generously throughout the cooking process.
- Add fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can add a lot of flavor.
- Get creative with vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to any of these recipes for extra nutrition and flavor.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can create countless delicious and easy chicken pasta recipes. Enjoy!
