Chicken Pasta Recipes

FAQS

Can I Use Different pasta noodles?

• Different kinds of pasta noodles. Shapes like a bowtie, wagon wheel, penne, elbow, and shell pasta are interchangeable. Other shapes like spaghetti, linguine, angel hair, and fettuccini can be substituted for each other as well. 
  • Switch between white flour pasta, whole wheat pasta, and gluten-free rice pasta. Or use veggie pasta like zucchini noodles. 

How to cook pasta?

• A good guideline is to boil 2 ounces of dry penne per person. Once cooked it will equal about 1-1¼ cups of cooked pasta.
  • Fill a pot with water. Use 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta. Add a lid and bring to a boil.
  • Optional flavoring. For added flavor, use chicken broth instead of water. Another optional ingredient is to add salt. Once the water is boiling add 1-2 tablespoons of salt for every pound of pasta.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water. Boil, uncovered, until the desired tenderness. For al dente, boil for about 11 minutes. (See package directions for specific times.) Stir occasionally. The best way to test for doneness is to bite into a piece.
  • Drain pasta in a colander. Lightly rinse with water to keep the pasta from sticking to each other. Don’t add olive oil as the oil will prevent sauces from sticking to the pasta.

What type of chicken?

• I typically use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs also work. Most recipes instruct you to use precooked chicken. (Do not add raw chicken to other ingredients, unless the instructions specifically say to do so.)

Can I use precooked chicken?

• I use this recipe for Shredded Chicken. I’ll usually make extras and throw some in the freezer for a later dinner.
  • Use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken to make your recipe quick and easy.
  • Bake your Chicken in the Oven and then cube or shred it.
  • Cube and pan-cook it. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet. Add the cubed raw chicken and cook it on all sides until no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Protein Variations?

• In many recipes shredded, cubed, or ground turkey can be substituted for chicken. 

Flavor Variations?

• Pasta goes well with a variety of flavors and textures making it easy to change up a dish. 
  • Herbs. Use fresh herbs instead of dry. 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
  • Season sauces to taste with salt, black pepper, garlic salt, or other favorite flavors.
  • Lemon. Adding a spritz of lemon juice can help brighten a dish.
  • Add spice. Add some heat to any dish with red pepper flakes, paprika, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, or cayenne pepper.
  • Cheese. Top with fresh parmesan cheese.