Garlic Chicken With Pasta
Garlic chicken with pasta features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a savory sauce—perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. corkscrew macaroni ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup halved zucchini slices ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cooking oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Rinse the chicken and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, stir together chicken broth, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, and thyme; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and zucchini; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add cooking oil and then the chicken to the wok; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Pour in the sauce mixture; cook until thick and bubbly.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomato, cooked pasta, and vegetables; toss to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent. Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein. Adding fresh spinach or kale can also enhance the nutritional value of this dish. For a twist, try using the pasta from Broccoli Olive Linguine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Garlic Chicken With Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate the flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, making it a perfect choice for a casual dinner or special occasion. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Bundles Italian.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen, but the texture of the zucchini may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Chicken With Pasta contains roughly 794 calories, with 22g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (188% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1368mg per serving (59% 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 whole wheat pasta instead of corkscrew macaroni?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds extra fiber to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take slightly longer to cook. The nutty flavor will also complement the garlic and herbs nicely.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. These options will absorb the flavors of the sauce well. Additionally, you can add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to enhance the dish's nutritional profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic. You can also serve the finished dish with a drizzle of hot sauce on top. This will give the Garlic Chicken With Pasta a nice kick without overpowering the original flavors.
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).