Craving a restaurant-quality meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This irresistible Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked angel hair pasta, coated with fragrant garlic and olive oil, and studded with tender, juicy chicken - all prepared in less time than it takes to order takeout. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply someone who loves incredible Italian-inspired cuisine, this recipe will transform your meal time from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken and sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the sliced cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the garlic. Stir to combine and heat the chicken through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken is heated, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked angel hair pasta directly to the skillet. If needed, reserve a small amount of pasta water to help loosen the sauce.
- Add the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the olive oil and garlic mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the angel hair pasta with chicken immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Angel hair pasta cooks extremely quickly, so watch it carefully to avoid overcooking. Aim for that perfect al dente texture by testing a strand a minute before the package instructions suggest.
- Chicken Prep Hack: Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you even more time. Just ensure it's heated through thoroughly.
- Flavor Boosting: Don't skimp on the fresh basil - it adds a bright, aromatic element that elevates the entire dish.
- Sauce Consistency: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon. It contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a silkier texture.
- Garlic Tip: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
