Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy Artichoke Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious blend of tender chicken, hearts of artichoke, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes so good, you'll want to make it again and again. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
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Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Artichoke Chicken Pasta:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan cheese adds a lot of flavor to the sauce, so use a good quality cheese for the best results.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as oregano or basil.
- Add some spice: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use different pasta: Try this recipe with your favorite type of pasta.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Artichoke Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a simple, healthy meal the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade meal!