Chicken And Pasta
Creamy chicken and pasta with Asiago cheese, herbs, and Parmesan, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grill or broil chicken breasts and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add milk, beaten egg, and grated cheeses to the melted margarine.
- Cook until the cheese mixture is melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken pieces, and seasonings to taste; toss to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and oregano before grilling. You can substitute the Asiago cheese with Parmesan or mozzarella for a different taste. For a healthier option, consider using whole grain rigatoni. If you want to add more veggies, incorporate some sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers, which pair beautifully with this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Creamy Chicken Manicotti or explore other Italian recipes that feature chicken to diversify your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep the pasta creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pasta contains roughly 638 calories, with 30g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value) and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, opt for skinless chicken breasts and whole wheat pasta. You can also add more vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini to increase the nutritional value without compromising flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then combine them with the cheese sauce when you're ready to serve. Just store each component separately in the fridge to maintain freshness.
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).