Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy chicken pappardelle pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant homemade pasta creation!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pappardelle pasta
- 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 pappardelle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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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: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. 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. Stir in the drained 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. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Pappardelle:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta is key to a great dish.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Pappardelle: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Lemon Chicken Pappardelle: Stir in the zest and juice of one lemon at the end of cooking.
- Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pappardelle: Incorporate 1/4 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) into the sauce for an intense burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This quick dinner idea is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pappardelle pasta create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!