Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure? This Pasta with Chicken and Artichokes is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! Imagine tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant artichoke hearts coming together in a symphony of Italian-inspired deliciousness that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cooking enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. If not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Once cooled, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped artichoke hearts and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Add shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with artichokes and tomatoes.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss all ingredients until well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling together beautifully.
- For maximum flavor, use freshly minced garlic and don't rush the sautéing process. Those 30-45 seconds of cooking develop a rich, aromatic base for your dish.
- Choose a high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese - these small upgrades can elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
- To keep chicken moist, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking.
- Feel free to customize! Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 461kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
