- **Chicken Breast**: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- **Pasta**: Opt for your favorite type of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Whole grain options can also be healthier.
- **Olive Oil**: Use extra virgin olive oil to add a rich taste and healthy fats to your dish.
- **Garlic Cloves**: Minced garlic adds a savory dimension; use 2-3 cloves depending on your preference.
- **Onion**: Finely chopped onions will help in creating a flavorful base for the sauce. Choose white or sweet yellow onions, both work well.
- **Tomato Sauce**: A classic choice is marinara sauce, but you can also use other types like crushed tomatoes or canned tomato paste for different flavors.
- **Fresh Herbs**: Basil and parsley are perfect to add freshness and aroma. Consider adding a few sprigs of each while cooking and then finely chop to mix into the pasta at the end.
- **Salt and Pepper**: For seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
- **Parmesan Cheese**: Grated Parmesan cheese is essential for adding richness and flavor, but you can substitute with Pecorino or Romano cheese if desired.
- **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)**: To add a bit of heat, use sparingly as it can be very potent.
## Ultimate Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Delicious & Easy Meal
Looking for a quick yet delicious meal? This Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with protein and flavor, it's sure to become your family’s favorite dish. Follow these easy steps to create a mouth-watering chicken pasta that's both comforting and satisfying.
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as we'll be baking the chicken to ensure it's cooked through.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and mix with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried basil. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
#### Step 2: Cook the Pasta
1. **Boil Water:** Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. **Add Salt:** Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of your pasta.
3. **Cook Pasta:** Follow the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
#### Step 3: Bake the Chicken
1. **Place Chicken on Baking Sheet:** Lay the chicken breasts skin-side down in a baking dish.
2. **Pour Over Broth and Seasonings:** Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. You can also add more seasonings if desired.
3. **Cover and Bake:** Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
#### Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, red and green bell peppers. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until softened.
2. **Deglaze with Broth:** Pour in any leftover chicken broth from baking the chicken into the pan. Let it simmer to reduce slightly, creating a flavorful base.
3. **Add Heavy Cream:** Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it thicken slightly.
#### Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
1. **Shred Chicken:** Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and shred it with two forks.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the shredded chicken to the sauce in the pan, mix well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
3. **Add Cheese:** Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt.
#### Step 6: Serve
1. **Drain Pasta:** Drain your pasta and add it directly into the saucepan with chicken mixture.
2. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
3. **Garnish:** Top with fresh parsley, grated mozzarella (if using), and serve hot.
### Tips for Success
- Use a quality chicken broth to enhance flavor.
- Ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked before shredding it.
- For an extra rich taste, use heavy cream instead of light or whole milk.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs not only adds color but also improves the aroma and flavor significantly.
Enjoy this easy yet impressive Chicken Pasta recipe that's perfect for any day of the week. Don't forget to share your creations on social media using #ChickenPastaRecipe!