Creamy Chicken Veggie Pasta Delight!

🌿 Creamy Chicken Veggie Pasta Delight

🍽️ Serves:

4 people

⏱️ Total Time:

30–35 minutes

🧂 Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 300 g (10 oz) penne or fettuccine

• Water and salt (for boiling)

For the creamy chicken sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 medium carrot, julienned or sliced thin

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).

3. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (5–7 minutes).

3. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Veggies

1. In the same pan, add onion and garlic; sauté for 1 minute.

2. Add bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms.

3. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until veggies are tender but crisp.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked chicken and pasta back to the pan.

2. Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.

• Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Chicken Veggie Pasta Delight! 😋

❓ Q&A Section

1. Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, zucchini, peas, corn, or even asparagus for variation.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

• Use milk + 1 tbsp flour to thicken.

• Or try Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a tangy flavor.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes — substitute:

• Coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream.

• Nutritional yeast for Parmesan.

4. How do I make it more flavorful?

Add:

• A splash of white wine before adding the cream.

• Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

5. Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but pasta tends to absorb sauce. For best results:

• Store pasta and sauce separately.

• Combine and heat before serving.

6. What’s the best pasta type for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best because their shape holds creamy sauces well.

7. How to make it spicier?

Add extra chili flakes, or mix in a spoon of hot sauce while simmering the sauce.

8. Can I use leftover chicken?

Of course! Grilled, roasted, or shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly — just skip the chicken-cooking step.