How to Make Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Chicken

Discover how easy it is to create a delicious and balanced meal with our simple pasta with chicken recipe that's sure to please the entire family.

Pasta with chicken is one of those versatile dishes that can be adapted to many different occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more elaborate Sunday lunches. It’s a hearty yet comforting dish that everyone seems to love, making it ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties where you want to cater to various taste preferences.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes and serves about 6 people comfortably. You will need the following ingredients:

• 200g of pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 300g skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 400g can of tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

To prepare the dish, start by boiling water in a large pot. Salt the water generously and add your pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial as it adds depth to your sauce.

Add the chicken pieces into the pan and stir them around with the onions and garlic. Let the chicken cook until it's golden brown on all sides. This process should take roughly 7-8 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the heat so you don’t burn the ingredients while cooking the chicken.

After browning the chicken, pour in the canned tomatoes along with a teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly to your liking. Season generously with salt and pepper during this time.

Once the pasta is done cooking and drained, return both the pasta and the chicken mixture back into the pot where they were initially cooked. Gently mix everything together ensuring each strand gets coated evenly with the flavorful sauce. If needed, adjust seasoning further to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan if desired. Serve alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for extra flavor and texture contrast.

This balanced pasta with chicken dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can experiment by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mix. For those who prefer less spice, you could reduce the amount of oregano or omit it altogether. Adding a dash of cream or wine at the end might also enhance the flavor profile.

The nutritional benefits vary depending on what type of pasta and sauce are used but generally include carbohydrates, protein, iron, vitamins A & C among others. If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, consider using zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta. It’s important to note that this switch slightly alters the cooking time since zoodles take less time compared to traditional pastas.

Cooking together can also be an enjoyable activity shared with friends or family members. By involving them in the preparation process—whether it's chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, or even just setting the table—you create memories while enjoying the meal itself more fully.

In conclusion, whether you're looking for something quick and filling during a busy weeknight or want to impress guests with an impressive yet straightforward dish at dinner parties, our pasta with chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give it a try today and see how much your loved ones will appreciate this classic Italian favorite!

Note: Always ensure proper storage methods are followed after preparing the leftovers to avoid any food safety issues.