Are you craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy chicken and blue cheese pasta recipe is the perfect blend of easy preparation and delicious flavors. It's a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing both family and friends with minimal effort. This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy meal without sacrificing taste. Let's dive into this fantastic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
-
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
-
If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off. If substituting with chicken broth, add it now.
-
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
-
Add the crumbled blue cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve:
-
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade creamy chicken and blue cheese pasta!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Different cheese: Try substituting gorgonzola or another creamy blue cheese for a variation in taste.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. This will change the consistency slightly, so you may need to add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This creamy chicken and blue cheese pasta recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste or health. It’s a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your cooking!