Description
A heartwarming dish that combines the flavors of garlic, chicken, and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting pasta experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole grain or whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or thyme)
- Optional: 1 cup assorted vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper, to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add any optional vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until soft before adding the drained pasta.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and add reserved pasta water to create a sauce, adjusting the consistency as preferred.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra cheese and herbs on top.
Notes
Prep ingredients ahead of time to save time during cooking. Use a non-stick skillet for easier clean-up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, garlic, chicken, Parmesan, healthy, family recipe, comfort food