Confetti Chicken Pasta Recipe
Try this Confetti Chicken Pasta Recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Confetti Chicken Pasta Recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. olive oil divided
- veggies & pasta
- 16 oz. of whole wheat penne pasta (always cook al dente i
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in 1″ cubes
- 1/2 c. onion diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper long thin slices (mom uses red, yellow and orange…)
- 1 c. broccoli florets
- 1 c. asparagus chopped in 1″ pieces
- 1 c. grape tomatoes
- spicy cream sauce
- 2 tbsp. flour (i used whole wheat)
- 2 c. half & half
- 1/4 tsp. of red pepper flakes
- 1 c. feta cheese (mom uses parmesan)
- Carbohydrate 58.271584599359 g
- Cholesterol 1424.64 mg
- Fat 483.597871698718 g
- Fiber 11.276303628677 g
- Protein 137.350063221154 g
- Saturated Fat 276.085236891026 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (2044g)
- Sodium 3199.79839102564 mg
- Sugar 46.995280970682 g
- Trans Fat 32.365396698718 g
- Calories 5041 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook your pasta and let it drain. (tip: I always add a bit of olive oil to my pasta water during cooking so the noodles don’t stick together).
- Sprinkle the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until done and golden on all sides.
- Remove and let rest in a large bowl.
- Add the remaining olive oil and begin sauteing the onions for 2 min.
- Add in the garlic and bell pepper and saute another 2 mins.
- Then toss in any other woody veggies (broccoli, asparagus) saving the tomatoes until the very end.
- When everything is cooked, combine the veggies with the chicken in your big bowl. (I’m all about reducing dishes here)
- Now its time for the sauce!
- In the same pan you cooked the chicken and veggies in, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Toss in the flour and stir, cooking 1-2 minutes. (We are making a roux)
- Slowly add in the half and half while stirring to prevent any clumps from forming.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and allow to simmer until you see boiling action. Stir periodically.
- When your sauce begins to thicken and bubble, turn off the heat and add in your cheese.
- Stir until melty (yes that’s a technical term).
- To assemble everything I like to add the pasta first so it gets nice and coated with sauce and then pour the rest of the goodies in. (see photo above).
- This makes enough for 4 people (or two if you want lunch the next day!)
Confetti Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a monumental task. But this Confetti Chicken Pasta recipe is my secret weapon – a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and easily, leaving me with more time to spend with my family, rather than stuck in the kitchen all evening.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adapt it to whatever vegetables you have on hand. I often swap out the broccoli and asparagus for zucchini, spinach, or even leftover roasted vegetables. The creamy feta sauce (though I sometimes use parmesan, like my mom!), adds a rich and satisfying element that complements the chicken and pasta perfectly. It’s a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, and the colorful vegetables make it feel like a celebratory meal, even on a Tuesday night.
The process itself is streamlined for efficiency. I cook the pasta while prepping the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is ready to go at the same time. The one-pan method for the sauce and vegetables minimizes cleanup, another big win in my book. The chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together in minutes. From start to finish, this dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes, leaving me with plenty of time to relax and enjoy a well-deserved meal with my family.
Beyond the Weeknight: While this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight, it's also easily adaptable for larger gatherings or meal prepping. Simply double or triple the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready for a family gathering, potluck, or even a casual weekend brunch. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping and lunches throughout the week.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feeling adventurous? Try different types of pasta, such as rotini or farfalle. Swap out the feta for parmesan, or experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or asiago. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the vegetables! Add mushrooms, bell peppers of different colors, or even some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor. The possibilities are endless!
More Than Just a Meal: This Confetti Chicken Pasta is more than just a delicious dinner; it’s a symbol of balance and practicality in a busy life. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, home-cooked meals can be achieved without sacrificing precious time or energy. It’s a reminder that taking care of ourselves and our families doesn't have to be complicated; sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner recipe, give this Confetti Chicken Pasta a try. I'm confident it will become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. A side salad would make a wonderful addition to the meal, adding a refreshing crunch and contrasting textures. For a heartier dish, serve it with a crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Confetti Chicken Pasta Success:
- Cook your pasta al dente: This ensures that your pasta retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes nicely browned.
- Make a smooth roux: For a smooth and creamy sauce, ensure that the butter and flour are fully incorporated before adding the half-and-half. This prevents the sauce from becoming lumpy.
- Add the cheese gradually: Adding the cheese gradually to the sauce helps to ensure that it melts smoothly and evenly.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
- Get creative with vegetables: Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Use whatever you have on hand or what’s in season for the freshest flavors.
This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity in the kitchen. It's a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
