This creamy chicken and pea carbonara pasta is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, offering a rich and comforting meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines tender chicken pieces, sweet peas, and a creamy sauce, all tossed with your choice of pasta. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

200g chickpea spirals pasta (or your preferred pasta)
120g frozen peas
150g sugar snap peas, halved diagonally
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
250g chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small brown onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (250ml) low-fat milk
1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (25g) grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (25g) grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (25g) grated reduced-fat Swiss cheese
1/4 cup (25g) grated reduced-fat provolone cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and sugar snap peas to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Pour in the milk and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheeses are melted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and peas to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute with cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. Just store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure the heat is low when adding the cheese and avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese is added.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Yes, substitute the milk and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended to freeze pasta dishes with creamy sauces, as the texture may change upon reheating.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken and pea carbonara pasta is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and creamy texture are sure to please everyone at the table.

Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta

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Author: sara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This creamy chicken and pea carbonara pasta is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, offering a rich and comforting meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and sugar snap peas to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the milk and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheeses are melted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and peas to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.

6. Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired