Simple Chicken and Pasta Recipes: A Quick Guide to Delicious Meals
Are you looking for easy and delicious chicken and pasta recipes that won't take up your entire evening? You've come to the right place! This blog post will provide you with several simple yet satisfying recipes perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. We'll focus on recipes that are easy to follow, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This recipe is a classic for a reason! It's quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 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 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Pasta
This recipe is perfect for minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one pan, making it incredibly convenient.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound pasta (small shapes like rotini or farfalle work best)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine chicken, pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Extra Flavor:
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Add vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious additions to either recipe.
These simple chicken and pasta recipes are a great starting point for creating your own delicious and personalized meals. Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking and have fun experimenting with different ingredients! Enjoy!
