Light & Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta
Try this Light & Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta recipe.
Try this Light & Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 small onion diced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
- 6 ounces dry penne
- 3 cloves garlic smashed & minced
- 1 bell pepper any color (i used 4 mini bell peppers)
- 1 tablespoon grainy dijon mustard
- Carbohydrate 15.0138001389478 g
- Cholesterol 313.363333345949 mg
- Fat 53.4682660322279 g
- Fiber 2.33658033486605 g
- Protein 86.7707822289709 g
- Saturated Fat 16.6657825228335 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (522g)
- Sodium 308.577125013987 mg
- Sugar 12.6772198040817 g
- Trans Fat 4.63051644902033 g
- Calories 909 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the penne to al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/2 of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken to the heated oil and cook, stirring often, till browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and put the skillet back over the heat.
- Add the rest of the olive oil, then the garlic, onions and peppers.
- Cook, stirring, till the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the dijon mustard and mix in, then add the broth to deglaze. Stir the pan, scraping up the bits off the bottom for flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the half and half.
- Reduce heat and allow to bubble and thicken.
- Slide the chicken back into the skillet and add the rosemary.
- Add the drained pasta in to the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture and toss well.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve!
A Weeknight Wonder: Light & Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a monumental task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands of modern life, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But what if I told you that a restaurant-quality meal could be ready in under 30 minutes? That's the beauty of this Light & Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta recipe – it's quick, easy, and utterly delicious.
This recipe isn't just a time-saver; it's also a healthy and flavorful alternative to heavier pasta dishes. The creamy Dijon sauce adds a sophisticated touch without the guilt of heavy cream. The chicken provides a lean protein source, and the colorful bell peppers add a vibrant pop of color and nutrients. It's a dish that satisfies both my family's craving for comfort food and my own desire for healthier eating. I often double the recipe, making enough for leftovers for lunch the next day – a real lifesaver on busy workdays!
The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so appealing. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required. Just a handful of everyday pantry staples and some fresh chicken are all you need to create this culinary masterpiece. The subtle tang of Dijon mustard perfectly complements the savory chicken and the sweetness of the bell peppers, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, ensuring each strand is coated in deliciousness.
I love experimenting with different variations of this recipe. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Other times, I substitute spinach or mushrooms for the bell peppers, depending on what I have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize it to your own taste preferences and dietary needs.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this dish also offers a sense of accomplishment. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still take time to nourish ourselves and our families with wholesome, flavorful meals. It's a small act of self-care, a moment of calm in the storm of the week, and a delicious reward for all our hard work.
So, the next time you find yourself staring into an empty refrigerator, wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. It’s a weeknight wonder, a culinary lifesaver, and a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will quickly become a staple in your own weeknight dinner rotation.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or rotini.
- Add other vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or broccoli.
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Light & Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta!
