Description
A comforting and creamy chicken pasta paired with fresh vegetables, easily adaptable for any weeknight or dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes to let a golden crust form, then stir and cook until no longer pink, about 4–5 more minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Push the chicken to one side or remove briefly. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté until they reach tender-crisp, usually 4–6 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Season with salt and pepper, then lower heat and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate generous portions and finish with a hearty grating of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil if desired.
Notes
Substitute chicken with shrimp or a vegetarian option like tofu. Can be made ahead and reheated easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg