Creamy Chicken and Peas Pasta Dinner
Indulge in the comfort of a Creamy Chicken and Peas Pasta Dinner, a weeknight favorite that combines tender penne pasta, juicy pan-seared chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of zesty lemon. This one-pan wonder includes bursts of sweetness from tender peas, adding both flavor and a pop of vibrant green to the dish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this satisfying meal is perfect for busy evenings, offering a restaurant-quality experience from the comfort of your kitchen. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a wholesome and elegant dinner that the whole family will love. Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, pasta with peas, one-pan chicken dinner, quick weeknight recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2 minutes before adding the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the lemon juice, frozen peas, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with the reserved pasta water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently combine everything. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy chicken and peas pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.1 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.4 g | 552% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 831 mg | 277% | |
| Sodium | 4705 mg | 205% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 280.4 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 210.7 g | 421% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1027 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1445 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
