There’s no better way to kick off the year than with a delicious pasta recipe! This creamy chicken pasta is quick, easy, and perfect for those who love a hearty meal. Let’s dive into how to make this dish that’s sure to become a favourite in your collection.
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts (thick pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp olive oil (for the pot)
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 600ml double cream
- Cheddar cheese (to taste)
- 250g penne pasta
- Mixed herbs for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts with the spices. It may seem like a lot, but with the size of the chicken, it’s just right. Heat some olive oil in a pot, and once it’s hot, add the chicken. Cook on high heat for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start searing and turning white.
After flipping the chicken, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once both sides are nicely seared, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, boil your pasta and chop up the onions and garlic. After about 5 minutes, check on the chicken; it should have shrunk significantly. If your pan seems too small, don’t worry; the chicken will shrink as it cooks.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan but keep the juices as they will add great flavour to the sauce.
Making the Sauce
In the same pot, add in the chopped onions (optional) and the minced garlic. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant. Then, pour in the double cream, which should be around 600ml, and let it simmer on a low heat for about 4-5 minutes.
Now, you can decide whether to add the grated cheese into the sauce or later when mixing with the pasta. I recommend adding it now for extra creaminess. Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to mix in the cooked pasta.
Bringing It All Together
Add your cooked pasta to the sauce. You might wonder why I didn’t season the sauce heavily; it’s because the chicken was already well-seasoned, and I added its juices back into the sauce. This keeps the dish balanced and full of flavour.
To keep your chicken juicy, cover it with foil after removing it from the pan. This helps retain moisture until you’re ready to slice it. Once everything is combined, garnish with mixed herbs and perhaps a bit more cheese for that extra touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy chicken pasta hot, and feel free to add some extra herbs for garnish. It’s a fantastic dish that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing family and friends!
As we welcome the new year, I’ve got plenty of pasta recipes lined up, so stay tuned for more delicious meals. Enjoy your cooking, and I hope you have a wonderful year ahead!