Chicken creamy pasta

Photo by Lisa Fotios:

Ingredients                                 

8 ounces (225g) fettuccine or your choice of pasta

2  boneless, skinless chicken bosoms, cut into scaled down pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese                           

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional                                                                                        

Instructions

Cook the pasta as per the bundle directions until still somewhat firm.and set aside.

In a huge skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high intensity.. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.   

Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried basil to the skillet. . Mix well to consolidate and carry the combination to a stew.. 

Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. 

Add the ground Parmesan cheddar to the sauce and mix until it liquefies and integrates into the sauce.. 

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is warmed through.sauce. Cook for an additional 2- 

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it is well coated.

Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water to thin it out.

Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

             

 Exploring the Exquisite Flavors of Chicken Pasta

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies the soul, few dishes can match the irresistible allure of chicken pasta. This culinary masterpiece combines tender chicken pieces with al dente pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress. Whether you're a fan of creamy sauces, zesty tomato-based preparations, or herb-infused creations, chicken pasta offers endless possibilities to suit every palate. In this article, we delve into the world of chicken pasta, exploring its diverse variations and celebrating its role as a timeless favorite on dinner tables around the globe 

Classic Chicken Alfredo

Let's start our chicken pasta journey with the classic and indulgent Chicken Alfredo. In this dish, succulent grilled or sautéed chicken breast is served atop a bed of fettuccine pasta, generously coated with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. The velvety texture of the sauce, usually made with butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, creates a luscious harmony with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This elegant combination has been a favorite in Italian-American cuisine for decades, captivating diners with its simplicity and luxurious taste.

2.  Vibrant Tomato-Based Variations

For those seeking a zestier flavor profile, tomato-based chicken pasta dishes provide a vibrant alternative. The beloved Chicken Parmesan, for instance, showcases breaded and fried chicken cutlets smothered in tangy marinara sauce, served on a bed of spaghetti or linguine. This dish is then crowned with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Additionally, the versatility of tomato-based sauces allows for the incorporation of various herbs and spices, offering endless possibilities to elevate the dish to new heights.

3.  Light and Fresh Options

Chicken pasta need not always be heavy or indulgent. Lighter variations exist that celebrate the freshness of ingredients and incorporate vibrant flavors. For example, a colorful chicken and vegetable pasta salad combines rotisserie chicken, crisp vegetables, and al dente pasta, dressed with a light vinaigrette or citrus-infused dressing. This refreshing option makes for a perfect summer meal or a delightful addition to a picnic spread.

4  International Twists

The charm of chicken pasta extends beyond Italian and American cuisines, with international flavors infusing new life into this beloved dish. Thai-inspired chicken peanut noodles combine succulent grilled chicken with rice noodles, tossed in a fragrant peanut sauce enriched with flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and lime. Meanwhile, the fiery kick of Cajun chicken pasta introduces a spicy blend of blackened chicken, peppers, onions, and spices, beautifully paired with linguine or penne pasta. These global twists on chicken pasta open up a world of flavors for culinary adventurers

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Pasta dishes are beloved all around the world for their versatility and comforting nature. From classic spaghetti bolognese  to rich and creamy fettuccine Alfredo, there's no shortage of pasta recipes to satisfy our cravings. Among the many delectable options, one dish stands out for its lusciousness and flavor combination: creamy chicken pasta. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce that is simply irresistible.

The foundation of any great creamy chicken pasta lies in the quality and tenderness of the chicken. It's important to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for the dish. These cuts of meat provide a mild and juicy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can choose to grill or pan-fry the chicken before incorporating it into the pasta, ensuring it is cooked through and seasoned to perfection.

Next comes the star of the dish—the creamy sauce. The sauce is what gives this pasta its velvety texture and rich taste. There are various ways to prepare the sauce, but a classic approach involves a combination of cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The cream adds a smooth and luxurious texture, while the butter and garlic infuse the sauce with a delightful savory flavor. Parmesan cheese brings a tangy and slightly salty note that perfectly balances the creaminess.

To take the dish to the next level, you can add a touch of freshness with vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients not only provide a pop of color but also introduce a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy richness, spinach adds vibrant greenness, and sun-dried tomatoes contribute a hint of sweetness. Feel free to experiment and include your favorite vegetables to personalize the dish.

Now, let's talk about the pasta itself. For creamy chicken pasta, it's best to use pasta shapes that can hold the sauce well. Options like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work beautifully. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, ensuring it retains a slight firmness to complement the creamy elements of the dish. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it into the pan with the chicken and sauce, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

To serve this delightful creation, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and a visually appealing touch. The vibrant green herbs add a pop of color and provide a pleasant herbal note that complements the creamy sauce and savory chicken.

Creamy chicken pasta is a dish that is sure to please the whole family or impress guests at a dinner party. Its velvety sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creates a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion indulgence, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

In conclusion

creamy chicken pasta is a delicious combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce. With its rich flavors and indulgent texture, it has earned its place among the most beloved pasta dishes. So, why not gather the ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a plateful of creamy chicken pasta?