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.
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
- ½ cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat provolone cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
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
