Creamy Chicken and Veggie Pasta with a Savory Garlic Sauce
There is a special kind of comfort that comes from a perfectly executed pasta dish. This recipe for Creamy Chicken and Veggie Pasta is the epitome of that feeling. It brings together tender, seasoned chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce that coats every single piece of penne. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a complete, one-pan wonder that is as satisfying to eat as it is easy to prepare. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want to serve a homemade, delicious, and hearty meal to the whole family.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that feel more indulgent than they actually are, and this one is a classic in my kitchen. What I love most is the way the recipe builds flavor. By cooking the chicken and vegetables first and then building the sauce in the very same pan, you ensure that every part of the dish is infused with a deep, savory taste. The combination of the rich cream, the sharp Parmesan, and the fragrant garlic creates a sauce that is simply irresistible. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables, and it’s a complete meal in a single bowl—protein, carbs, and veggies all in one.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 10-12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1−1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3−4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Pasta: While penne is a great choice because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can use any short pasta you have on hand. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle would work wonderfully.
- Veggies: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for whatever vegetables you love. The user’s notes suggest using spinach instead of broccoli, which would be a great addition. You could also add sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, or green beans. Just make sure to cook them briefly so they retain some of their crunch.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be a great choice for this recipe, as they tend to be more flavorful and juicy. For a vegetarian option, you could use cubed tofu or chickpeas.
- Garlic: The recipe calls for garlic in two places: to season the chicken and in the sauce. This layered approach ensures a wonderful garlic flavor throughout the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your personal taste.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes is a simple way to add a little heat and a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Add the Veggies: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly but are still crisp.
- Remove from Pan: Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to a plate and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the remaining minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
- Finish the Sauce: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has become smooth and velvety.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, vegetables, and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the ingredients are all well combined. Let it cook together for another minute or two to heat everything through.
- Serve: Serve the creamy pasta hot, garnished with a little fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cook the Chicken First: Cooking the chicken before the sauce is crucial. It creates a flavorful base in the pan that will be absorbed by the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: For a good stir-fry, you want your vegetables to be crisp-tender, not mushy. Cooking them briefly over medium-high heat will help them retain their color and texture.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- High-Quality Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded kind will give you a smoother, richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This creamy chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm garlic bread would also be perfect for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.
For a drink pairing, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir would be a great complement to the savory and creamy flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, satisfying meal that provides a good balance of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the vegetables. While the creamy sauce adds to the calories and fat, it’s a rich and delicious meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The estimated calories are around 590 per serving.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this pasta dish are fantastic! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help re-create the creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a little liquid until it’s smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Veggie Pasta is a recipe that proves delicious, comforting meals can be simple and quick to make. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you gave this recipe a try!
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