Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in less than half an hour. This Chicken and Red Bell Pepper Pasta is not just another weeknight dinner - it's a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Packed with vibrant colors, robust Italian flavors, and perfectly cooked chicken, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 200g pasta
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing chicken breasts into thin strips, cutting red bell peppers into uniform strips, and finely mincing garlic cloves.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season sliced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Ensure even coating of the spices.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced red bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until peppers are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Return chicken to the skillet with peppers. Add cooked pasta and gently toss everything together. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Ensure your chicken and bell peppers are cut into similar-sized strips for even cooking and an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold - it helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together beautifully.
- High Heat is Key: Cook chicken and vegetables on medium-high heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Don't Overcook Peppers: Aim for slightly crisp bell peppers to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper - they're crucial for building deep, complex flavors.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end can elevate the entire dish from good to gourmet.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 335kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 41mg
