Pasta With Chicken And Vegetables In Garlic Sauce
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut carrots and zucchini lengthwise into thin slices with a vegetable peeler. Add to 1 inch of boiling water in a medium saucepan. Cook until crisp and tender. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook until tender. Gradually stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, tarragon, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.
- Add cooked and sliced chicken breasts and vegetables, heating thoroughly and stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken and vegetable mixture to hot cooked pasta. Toss to combine and top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cut vegetables or frozen zucchini. If you're out of tarragon, dill or thyme can be good substitutes. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. For added flavor, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives, which are common in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad with vinaigrette pairs well, making for a complete meal. This pasta also goes nicely with Chicken Marsala With Artichoke Hearts for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Chicken And Vegetables In Garlic Sauce contains roughly 619 calories, with 31g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% 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 other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
While any pasta can work, fettuccine or penne are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately from the pasta and vegetables. When ready to serve, combine and heat through, adding freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
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).