Cheesy Pasta 'N Chicken
Creamy cheesy pasta combined with tender chicken, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs creates a hearty meal perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 oz. uncooked fettuccine noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. margarine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. pimiento, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 6 unbreaded chicken breast fillets ⓘ
- 1/3 c. onions ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. half and half ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the uncooked fettuccine noodles, water, and salt in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on High for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onions; sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Add the chicken breast fillets and cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the flour mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the half and half, chopped pimiento, white pepper, and parsley flakes.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce and chicken mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. You can also substitute the fettuccine with penne or any pasta of your choice. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy pasta dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Seasoned Crumb Chicken(Microwave) for a hearty family dinner. Garnish with additional parsley or grated cheese for a touch of elegance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it thickens when stored.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Pasta 'N Chicken contains roughly 2113 calories, with 15g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 215g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. While fettuccine is traditional, penne, rotini, or even whole grain pasta would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or tofu to maintain a satisfying meal.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, stir in a little bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat the mixture gently on the stove while stirring until it's well combined and smooth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).