Confetti Chicken Pasta
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
- 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
- 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 16 oz. of whole wheat penne pasta al dente in salted water (add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking).
- Sprinkle 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until done and golden brown. Remove and set aside in a large bowl.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 1/2 c diced onion for 2 minutes.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced) and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add 1 c broccoli florets and 1 c asparagus (chopped into 1-inch pieces). Cook until tender-crisp.
- Add 1 c grape tomatoes at the very end.
- Combine cooked veggies and chicken in the large bowl.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour (whole wheat preferred) and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in 2 c half-and-half, preventing lumps from forming.
- Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and simmer until boiling. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 c feta cheese (or Parmesan) until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, coating well. Add the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Confetti Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal for my family can feel like a constant battle against the clock. But this Confetti Chicken Pasta recipe has become my secret weapon in the weeknight dinner wars. It's quick, it's flavorful, and most importantly, it's a crowd-pleaser, even with my picky eaters! The vibrant colors of the vegetables make it visually appealing, and the creamy, slightly spicy sauce is the perfect complement to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what's in season or what your family enjoys. I've been known to add zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms depending on my mood and what's lurking in the crisper drawer. The base recipe is relatively simple, but it offers endless possibilities for customization. And let’s be honest, who doesn't love a meal that can be thrown together in under an hour? It's the perfect solution for those nights when you're short on time but still want to serve something wholesome and satisfying.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to different dietary needs. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein source. Looking for a lighter meal? Use less cream or opt for a lighter alternative. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; it can easily be molded to suit your preferences and lifestyle.
Beyond its practicality, this Confetti Chicken Pasta is simply delightful. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying experience. The burst of fresh flavors from the vegetables adds a bright contrast to the richness of the sauce. The slight kick of red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth that elevates the entire dish, making it more exciting than your average pasta meal. And let’s not forget the vibrant colors – a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!
The process of making this dish has become a small ritual in our house. The chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of the chicken in the pan, the creamy sauce coming together – it's a small symphony of kitchen sounds and smells that signals family time and delicious food to come. And the cleanup is relatively easy – mostly one pan, meaning less dishes and more time spent with my family.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a way to bring a little bit of joy and ease into the often chaotic world of family life. It's a testament to the power of simple, delicious meals to bring people together, and it’s become a firm favorite in our household. So, give it a try – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much your family loves it.
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this recipe. It's a quick, easy, and delicious solution to weeknight dinner dilemmas, proving that healthy and delicious doesn't have to be complicated. And honestly, who doesn't need a little bit more joy in their week? This dish provides just that.
