Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight—a mouthwatering dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your dinner table with minimal effort. Picture tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant veggies tossed in a rich and savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic Italian herbs and spices. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and satisfying meal or a pasta lover craving a taste of Italy, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of la dolce vita with this easy-to-make Italian chicken pasta.
Resume of the recipe: Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight—a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep work, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s bursting with Italian flavors in no time. Tender chicken, hearty pasta, and colorful veggies come together in a harmonious union, all bathed in a luscious tomato sauce that’s infused with the essence of Italy. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this Italian chicken pasta is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of go-to recipes.
Exciting Story: In our cozy kitchen, where the aroma of simmering sauce fills the air and the sound of sizzling chicken echoes off the walls, we’re preparing a taste of Italy with our Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight. As we chop fresh vegetables and season the chicken with fragrant herbs, we can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building with each passing moment, knowing that we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure to the land of pasta and pizza. And when we finally sit down to enjoy our meal, we’re transported to the bustling streets of Rome, where the flavors of garlic, basil, and oregano dance on our taste buds, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, pasta shapes, or protein options to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this Italian chicken pasta is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters with its hearty flavors and comforting appeal.
What I need to make Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight:
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Saute Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Saute Veggies: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Herbs: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!
Tips For Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Customize the recipe by using your favorite pasta shape or protein option, such as shrimp or sausage.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more herbs, garlic, or salt and pepper as needed.
Substitutions and Variations For Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight:
- Use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.
- Substitute canned diced tomatoes for the tomato sauce for a chunkier sauce.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Make a Healthier Version For Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight:
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use lean chicken breast or turkey breast instead of dark meat for a lower-fat option.
Closing: Experience the flavors of Italy in every bite with our Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight—a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its tender chicken, hearty pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all bathed in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire of go-to meals. So, why wait? Treat yourself to a taste of la dolce vita with this simple and satisfying Italian chicken pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight:
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken mixture and toss it with the cooked pasta until heated through.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought pasta sauce if you prefer. Just choose your favorite variety and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Of course! Feel free to stir in grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the recipe. You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
Italian Chicken Pasta – A Taste of Italy in Every Bite!
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan for garnish
Directions
- In the heart of our Italian culinary adventure, let’s dive into creating Italian Chicken Pasta—a dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table with ease.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked chicken to the tomato sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and chicken mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve the Italian Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan.