Quick Chicken And Pasta
A quick and hearty chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken, creamy mushroom and tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare linguine according to the package directions.
- Cut chicken breast strips into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the chicken in a skillet with margarine.
- Add diced Ro-Tel tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup; stir until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is tender, stirring often.
- Serve the sauce over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked chicken strips to reduce cooking time. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to fit your taste, much like recipes such as Grandma's Chicken and Dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and pasta dish topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra flavor boost. This meal pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving with Saucy Potatoes to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chicken And Pasta contains roughly 1018 calories, with 21g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1612mg per serving (70% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken and pasta dish holds up well for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time and portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cream soup to maintain the creamy 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).