One Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

Are you in the mood for a delicious, hassle-free dinner that leaves minimal mess? This One Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta is the answer. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot for the entire process. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (or homemade roasted red peppers)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
   • Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Roasting the Red Peppers

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   • If using homemade roasted red peppers, roast them in the oven until the skin is charred. Let them cool, then peel and chop.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Bring to a simmer and add the penne pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.

Combining the Dish

1. Mixing Ingredients Together:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
2. Final Touches:
   • Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

1. Plate the Pasta:
   • Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, ensuring a good mix of chicken, pasta, and sauce in each serving.
2. Garnish:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Accompaniments

1. Serve with Bread:
   • Pair the pasta with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Side Salad:
   • A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette makes a perfect side dish.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Count

• The calorie count will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands, but this dish is generally rich in protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Nutritional Benefits

• This meal provides a well-rounded balance of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil and cream, and carbohydrates from the pasta.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that brings together rich flavors in a single pot. It’s perfect for those who want a satisfying dinner without the fuss of multiple dishes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal cleanup!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers?

• Yes, store-bought roasted red peppers work perfectly fine and save time.

2. What type of pasta works best?

• Penne pasta is ideal, but you can use any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Yield: 6

One Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Are you in the mood for a delicious, hassle-free dinner that leaves minimal mess? This One Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta is the answer. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot for the entire process. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 jar (12-ounce) roasted red peppers drained
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fruity champagne or wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound boneless chicken, cubed
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (see note)
• red pepper flakes
• 1 cup grated manchego cheese (or parmesan)
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup arugula

Instructions

1. To make the red pepper sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the red peppers, walnuts, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, honey, 1 teaspoon paprika, cayenne, and a generous pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

2. Set a large pot or skillet with sides over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup manchego, cook another minute, then remove the chicken from the pot.

3. To the same pot, pour in 3 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, 8 minutes. Do not drain the pasta water. If needed, add additional water to help the pasta cook.

4. Stir in the roasted red pepper sauce (you may not need it all), manchego, and basil. Toss until very creamy and heated through. Slide in the chicken and any juices left on the plate.

5. Serve the pasta topped with fresh manchego and arugula. Enjoy!