Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with Chicken Pasta, a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty and satisfying dinner for the whole family.
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Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Pasta is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and veggies in one comforting meal, making it a great option for a complete dinner.
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How to Make Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
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- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Colby jack, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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- In a large pan, melt butter and sauté diced chicken until cooked through.
- Add smoked paprika, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente.
- Turn off the heat and stir in cream cheese. Cover the pan for 2 minutes to let the cream cheese melt.
- Add broccoli to the pan and cover again for 5 minutes to steam the broccoli.
- Gently mix in heavy cream, Colby jack, and half of the parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve the Chicken Pasta topped with remaining parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil.
How to Serve Chicken Pasta
Serve the hot and creamy Chicken Pasta in individual plates, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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How to Store Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers of Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
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Tips to Make Chicken Pasta
- Customize the recipe by adding other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with Greek yogurt and milk.
Variation
For a more indulgent version of Chicken Pasta, add crispy bacon or pancetta to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
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FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or rotini.
- Can I substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu? Absolutely, you can replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to make a gluten-free version of Chicken Pasta.