Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day at work? Look no further! We've got the perfect solution for a light and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes: Chicken, Carrots, and Pasta.
This combination of ingredients not only offers a burst of flavors but also provides a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Let's dive into the details of this wonderful recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 - 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 - 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the sliced carrots and cook for another 3 - 4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let the carrots cook in the broth for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine it with the carrot - cream sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well - coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to melt the cheese into the sauce. The heat from the pasta and the sauce will help the cheese melt smoothly.
- Transfer the chicken, carrots, and pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
This Chicken, Carrots, and Pasta dish is not only quick and easy to make but also customizable. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if you like. You can also adjust the amount of cream and cheese according to your preference for a lighter or richer sauce.
So, the next time you're looking for a hassle - free weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try. It's sure to become a family favorite!