Are you on the hunt for delicious Chicken And Pasta Recipes that the whole family will enjoy? You have come to the right place. We all know the struggle of finding a meal that is both healthy and comforting. This recipe hits the sweet spot perfectly.
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that is completely dairy free. Plus, it is packed with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions. It really is the ultimate Easy Chicken Dinner.
You do not need to be a professional chef to make this. It is straightforward and uses simple ingredients. If you want Pasta Recipes For Dinner that are flavorful and fuss free, this one is a winner. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know what? Finding reliable Chicken And Pasta Recipes can be tough. Some are too dry, while others are too complicated. This recipe changes the game entirely. It is designed for real life.
First off, it is incredibly fast. You can have this Chicken Pasta Dinner on the table in no time. The cooking process is streamlined to keep you out of the kitchen and at the table with your loved ones.
The flavor profile is amazing. We use a dairy free tomato cream sauce that mimics the richness of vodka sauce without the dairy. The addition of Kalamata olives adds a nice salty punch that balances everything out.
It is also very customizable. You can swap veggies or adjust the spice level. This makes it one of the most versatile Pasta Dishes With Chicken you will ever make. Even picky eaters usually love the creamy texture.
Finally, clean up is a breeze. Since you cook the veggies and chicken in the same skillet, you save time on washing dishes. Who doesn’t love an Easy Chicken Dinner with less mess?
Ingredients
To make one of the best Chicken And Pasta Recipes, you need the right ingredients. Here is what you will need to gather before you start.
- 1 Pound Chicken Breast
- 24 Ounces Dairy Free Tomato Cream Sauce
- 12 Ounces Gluten Free Pasta (I used Jovial Brown Rice Fettucine, but any pasta will work!)
- 3 Bell Peppers, Sliced Thinly
- 1 Sweet Onion, Sliced Thinly
- 1 Cup Pasta Water
- 2 to 4 Cloves of Garlic, Chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Kalamata Olives
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps to create this amazing Chicken Pasta Dinner. It comes together quickly, so have your ingredients prepped.
Step 1: Season The Chicken
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Place your chicken breast inside. You will want to add the salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Stir everything well. Make sure the chicken is completely coated in the spices. This step ensures every bite of your Chicken And Pasta Recipes is full of flavor.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
Next, preheat your skillet on medium high heat. Once it is hot, add the seasoned chicken. You want to hear a nice sizzle when it hits the pan.
Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side. You want it to be cooked through and have a nice golden color. Once done, place the cooked chicken on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté The Veggies
Now, add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, and fresh garlic. This builds the base of your Easy Chicken Dinner.
Cover the pan and cook on medium low heat. You want the onions to get soft and caramelized. This brings out a lovely sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
Step 4: Combine Sauce And Chicken
Once the veggies are soft, it is time to bring the chicken back. Add the sliced chicken back into the pan with the veggies.
Pour in the dairy free tomato cream sauce. Stir it gently to combine. The smell at this point is absolutely incredible.
Step 5: Add Pasta And Serve
While the sauce simmers, cook the gluten free pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to save some pasta water before draining.
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the onions, peppers, sliced chicken, and sauce. Pour in about a cup of that starchy pasta water.
Stir everything well until the sauce coats the noodles perfectly. Serve it hot! This is truly one of the most satisfying Pasta Dishes With Chicken you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers from this Chicken Pasta Dinner, storing them is easy. Proper storage keeps the meal tasting fresh for lunch the next day.
Let the pasta cool down completely before putting it away. Placing hot food directly in the fridge can raise the temperature inside your refrigerator.
Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors often meld together even better overnight.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Creamy sauces tend to thicken when cold.
We do not recommend freezing this dish if you used gluten free pasta. Gluten free noodles can change texture and become mushy when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Tips
Want to make your Chicken And Pasta Recipes even better? Here are a few tips to help you get the best results every time.
First, do not skip the pasta water. This is liquid gold. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a silky texture.
Slice your peppers and onions thinly. This ensures they cook evenly and caramelize faster. It also makes it easier to get a bit of everything in every bite.
Feel free to adjust the spice. We used cayenne pepper for a little kick. If you prefer a milder Easy Chicken Dinner, you can reduce or omit it.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Gluten free pasta can go from perfect to mushy very quickly. Cook it just until al dente, as it will cook a bit more in the sauce.
Rest the chicken. Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps the juices inside. This ensures your meat stays tender and moist.
Use a large skillet. You want plenty of room to toss the pasta with the sauce and veggies. Crowding the pan can make it hard to mix everything evenly.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and comforting meal that fits perfectly into your rotation of Chicken And Pasta Recipes. It checks all the boxes for a busy weeknight.
This dish proves that you do not need dairy to have a creamy, satisfying sauce. The combination of savory chicken, sweet peppers, and tangy olives is hard to beat.
We hope this becomes your go to Easy Chicken Dinner. It is budget friendly and packed with wholesome ingredients. Your family is going to love it.
Next time you are stuck on what to cook, remember this recipe. It is one of those Pasta Recipes For Dinner that never disappoints. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Here are some common questions we get about this recipe. We want to make sure your Chicken And Pasta Recipes turn out perfectly.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. The recipe calls for gluten free pasta, so it is naturally gluten free. Just double check your sauce ingredients to be safe.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper. However, it is not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your taste.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
You sure can. Chicken thighs are very forgiving and stay juicy. Just cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Sauce Did You Use?
We used a dairy free tomato cream sauce. It provides that luscious, creamy texture without any dairy products. It is a great swap for traditional vodka sauce.
Can I Add More Veggies?
Definitely. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great additions to these Pasta Dishes With Chicken. Just sauté them with the peppers and onions.
Easy Dairy-Free Chicken and Pasta
A lifesaver for busy weeknights, this easy chicken dinner combines tender chicken and gluten-free pasta in a rich, creamy, dairy-free tomato sauce. It’s a flavorful, no-fuss meal packed with veggies that the whole family will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast with salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to coat the chicken completely.
- Preheat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 8 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and fresh garlic. Cover and cook on medium-low heat until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- While the veggies cook, prepare the gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Slice the rested chicken and add it back to the skillet with the softened veggies. Pour in the dairy-free tomato cream sauce and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything well until the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken pasta dinner.
Notes
Don’t skip the pasta water! The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a silky, creamy texture.
Slice your peppers and onions thinly to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize faster, adding a lovely sweetness to the dish.
Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps the juices inside and ensures your meat stays tender and moist.
Use a large skillet to give you plenty of room to toss the pasta with the sauce and veggies without crowding the pan.
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