Are you craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal but short on time? Look no further than this mouthwatering Pesto Chicken Mug Pasta – the ultimate hack for busy food lovers who refuse to compromise on taste! Imagine creating a creamy, flavor-packed Italian-inspired dish in just 15 minutes, using nothing more than your microwave and a single mug. This genius recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will make you feel like a culinary superstar, without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pasta
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Select a large microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 16 ounces to prevent overflow during cooking.
- Measure 1/2 cup of pasta and add it directly into the mug. Choose a small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or rotini for best results.
- Pour 1 cup of water over the pasta, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Stir gently to prevent pasta from clumping.
- Microwave the pasta and water on high for 2-3 minutes, pausing halfway to stir and prevent boiling over.
- Check pasta for doneness. If needed, microwave in additional 30-second intervals until pasta is al dente.
- Once pasta is cooked, carefully remove the mug using oven mitts as it will be hot.
- Drain any excess water if necessary, leaving a small amount to help mix ingredients.
- Add diced cooked chicken and 2 tablespoons of pesto directly into the mug. Stir thoroughly to combine and coat pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and garnish.
- Let the pasta cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying directly from the mug.
Tips
- Mug Selection is Key: Always choose a microwave-safe mug that's at least 16 ounces to prevent messy boil-overs.
- Pasta Perfect: Opt for small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini that cook evenly in the microwave.
- Stirring Matters: Pause midway during cooking to stir, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticky clumps.
- Liquid Ratio: Use the exact water measurement to achieve the ideal pasta texture without becoming too soggy.
- Chicken Prep: Use pre-cooked, diced chicken to save time and ensure food safety.
- Pesto Power: Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor – it can make or break this simple dish.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide a more intense flavor than pre-packaged cheese.
- Cool Down: Let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and prevent burning your tongue.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 392kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 34g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 76mg
