Creamy Pasta with Chicken, Peas, and Carrots

Creamy Pasta with Chicken, Peas, and Carrots is a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pieces of chicken, sweet peas, and carrots come together with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce for a delicious one-pot dish that will satisfy the whole family. Let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Carrots: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

5. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

7. Add Chicken and Peas: Stir the cooked chicken and frozen peas into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
8. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Serve

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Chicken: Make sure the chicken pieces are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Pasta: Use a short pasta shape that can easily mix with the sauce, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
• Stirring: Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Herb Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or green beans make a great side dish to complement the flavors of the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. You may need to let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time, but the pasta may absorb more of the sauce as it sits. Reheat with additional cream or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.

What Other Pasta Shapes Work Well?

Any short pasta shape works well in this dish. Fusilli, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta are great alternatives if you don’t have penne or rotini.

Creamy Pasta with Chicken, Peas, and Carrots is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender chicken, sweet peas, and creamy sauce makes this dish irresistible and easy to love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this dish will surely be a hit. Gather your ingredients, cook with love, and enjoy a hearty bowl of creamy goodness!

Happy Cooking!