Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Chicken

The keyword for this article is "pasta with chicken". This versatile dish is a perfect example of how pasta can be combined with chicken to create a delicious and balanced meal that satisfies the appetite while offering nutritional benefits.

Cooking time: Approximately 40 minutes, yielding approximately 6 servings. This recipe provides enough for family meals or an entertaining dinner party.

Ingredients

• 300 grams of spaghetti (or your preferred pasta type)
• 500 grams of boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese (optional)

Instructions

To start preparing your pasta with chicken dish, first bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously as this will help add flavor to your pasta. Once boiling, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

In another skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and garlic. Sauté for about three minutes or until the chicken starts turning golden brown. Stir frequently ensuring even cooking and browning on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.

While the chicken cooks, prepare your marinara sauce. In a separate pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft about five minutes. Then, pour in the halved cherry tomatoes. Allow these to cook down for around 10 minutes or until they have broken down into a smooth sauce-like consistency.

Once your pasta is cooked to desired al dente stage, drain it thoroughly ensuring there are no excess water left. Gently mix the drained pasta with the sautéed chicken and onion-tomato mixture. Season according to your taste with salt and pepper. Optionally, you can sprinkle some oregano over it for extra flavor.

Your pasta with chicken is now ready! It’s an excellent choice if you want a quick yet satisfying dinner option. The balance of the hearty pasta and succulent chicken creates a perfect blend of flavors. This dish is particularly enjoyable when paired with a side salad, adding freshness and lightness to your meal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers from your pasta with chicken, do not despair! Pasta dishes are excellent for storage as they keep well in the refrigerator. Simply place your leftovers into an air-tight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Leftovers can last up to four days in the fridge.

Freezing Options

If you want to extend the shelf life further, consider freezing this dish. When freezing, it's best not to mix the ingredients before freezing. Instead, portion out individual servings into containers or freezer bags. You can freeze these meals for up to three months.

Health Benefits of Pasta with Chicken

This meal is rich in protein from chicken and carbohydrates from pasta, which makes it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. The inclusion of vegetables like tomatoes ensures you get beneficial antioxidants. Additionally, if you choose whole wheat or whole grain pasta instead of refined pasta, you'll benefit further from fiber.

Conclusion

Pasta with chicken is not just about convenience; it's also about taste and nutrition. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or an event dish, this recipe offers something for everyone. With its simplicity in preparation and delightful flavors, it stands out among other pasta dishes.

Enjoy Your Meal!

We hope you enjoy making your pasta with chicken just as much as we enjoyed creating this recipe guide. Bon appétit!