Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Delicious Meal for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a quick and delicious chicken pasta recipe that you can whip up in no time? This simple chicken pasta dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare. It’s packed with flavor, rich in protein, and will leave your family satisfied after dinner.

This chicken pasta recipe is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste buds or add different vegetables for a burst of freshness. The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and it takes about another 20 minutes to cook everything together. This yields enough servings for four hungry people, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 4 cups) of penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by boiling the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, sauté the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil during cooking.
2. Add the diced onions to the skillet along with minced garlic and stir well for about a minute or two until the onions become soft. This adds depth of flavor to your dish.
3. Once the chicken is cooked through and the onions are softened, add the drained penne pasta back into the same skillet. Toss everything together so that every strand of pasta gets coated evenly with the flavorful sauce from the chicken and onions.
4. If you prefer a bit more color and additional taste, add cherry tomatoes to this mix for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time before serving. They’ll provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor while adding color to your dish.
5. Once everything is nicely combined and heated through, remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese as garnish.

Enjoy!

Your homemade chicken pasta meal is now ready! Serve immediately with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. This dish pairs well with almost any side you choose, making it adaptable enough for various occasions and preferences.

Feel free to experiment with this basic recipe by adding more vegetables such as spinach or zucchini, substituting chicken breasts with other proteins like shrimp or turkey, or even trying different cheeses. The possibilities are endless!

Tips & Variations

• Add a kick: For an extra flavor boost, mix in some red pepper flakes right at the end of cooking.
• Veggie lover’s delight: Increase the vegetable content by adding more tomatoes or even tossing in some broccoli florets.
• Cooking for a smaller crowd: Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly based on how many people will be enjoying this meal. A single serving consists of around 1/4th of the total prepared pasta and chicken mix.

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p>This simple yet delightful recipe showcases how versatile ingredients like chicken, pasta, and basic seasonings can transform into a satisfying main dish that everyone in your household will love. Whether you're looking for something quick to prepare or simply want to impress friends over dinner, this dish has got it all!