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Chicken Artichoke Pasta

Chicken Artichoke Pasta

Chicken Artichoke Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, tangy artichoke hearts, and your choice of pasta all tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals, this recipe balances rich and fresh flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (fresh or canned)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics and Artichokes: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half while stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, forming a rich sauce.
  5. Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss all ingredients together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency. Stir in fresh herbs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen and bind the sauce.
  • Use quality fresh or canned/frozen artichokes for best flavor.
  • Fresh herbs brighten and elevate the dish significantly.
  • Stir gently to preserve pasta texture and prevent breaking.

Nutrition

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