Italian Chicken Pasta
Introduction:
Transport your taste buds to Italy with this flavorful and comforting Italian chicken pasta—a hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With tender chunks of chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad and garlic bread, Italian chicken pasta is a satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve the Italian chicken pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Conclusion:
With its hearty chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, Italian chicken pasta is a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served at a dinner party with friends, this dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite with this flavorful Italian chicken pasta!