Easy Chicken Pasta Dinner

Chicken pasta is a classic meal that can satisfy both your taste buds and stomach. This simple yet hearty dish makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. Follow this recipe to make a delicious chicken pasta in about 30 minutes that serves four people.

Cooking Time: 25 minutesServings: 4

• 1 pound of elbow macaroni
• 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta sauce (such as marinara)

To start making this delightful dish, first cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain it thoroughly but keep some of the cooking water aside for later use.

While the pasta is boiling, prepare the chicken and vegetable components of your recipe. If you are using pre-cooked chicken breast, simply shred it into smaller pieces with a fork or knife. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, adding the shredded chicken to the mix towards the end.

When both components of your dish are ready, combine them in a large bowl. Add cooked pasta and stir it all together. If necessary, add some of the reserved pasta water or a little extra broth to achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

To enhance the flavor, you can also mix in your favorite pasta sauce like marinara or Alfredo. You can further customize this dish by adding your preferred spices such as paprika, chili powder, or oregano based on personal taste.

Optional Add-ins

1. 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
2. 1/2 cup of cooked Italian sausage
3. Cashews and pine nuts for a nutty texture

For those who prefer more vegetables, consider adding zucchini or bell peppers. These additions will not only increase the nutritional value but also add vibrant colors to your dish.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers from this recipe, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Chicken pasta can last for up to four days in the fridge. If you wish to freeze it, let the dish cool down first before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for around three months.

When reheating your chicken pasta dinner, simply pop it into the microwave or serve directly from the container on a hot plate. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting meal even when you're short of time or just feeling lazy.

Dietary Considerations

• Low-carb option: Reduce the amount of pasta used in this recipe to half and increase the protein content by adding extra chicken. You can also substitute some of the pasta with vegetables like spinach or kale for added fiber.
• Gluten-free option: Ensure that your pasta is gluten-free. The cooking method remains unchanged, but choose a gluten-free pasta variety when purchasing it.

This versatile dish has several dietary benefits such as being high in protein and containing important minerals like iron and calcium. Moreover, the vegetables present in this recipe provide essential vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for overall health.

Conclusion

Chicken pasta dinner is an easy, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe offers flexibility with optional add-ins to cater to individual tastes and dietary restrictions. Its short cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunch breaks. Whether you're a novice cook looking for simple recipes or a seasoned chef seeking new flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.