Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. Featuring tender chicken and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it combines comfort with sophistication in every bite.
The garlic-infused sauce is rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of seasonings. Paired with perfectly cooked angel hair pasta, this dish elevates any meal.
Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is a simple way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle. It’s a new classic in the making!
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken – Ingredients
This creamy, savory dish starts with tender, juicy chicken breasts, seasoned to perfection for a satisfying bite. The golden sear creates a crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
The angel hair pasta provides a delicate base, soaking up the luscious, Parmesan-infused sauce. The buttery, garlicky mixture brings depth to the dish, while the white wine offers a subtle acidity that elevates the flavors.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty finish, bringing all the ingredients together in harmony. Each element plays a key role in creating a balanced, comforting meal.
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken: A Deliciously Creamy Recipe
Recipe Tips
- Searing Chicken to Perfection To ensure your chicken breasts are tender and juicy, slice them in half lengthwise and pound them to an even thickness. This allows for a quicker, more uniform sear. Don’t skip the flour coating—it adds a slight crust and helps lock in moisture while preventing sticking.
- Creating a Silky Sauce When making the sauce, take your time with the flour and butter mixture. Stir it constantly for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste and develop a golden hue. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy sauce. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the thickness with pasta water—this helps the sauce adhere perfectly to the pasta.
- Perfecting Pasta Cooking Angel hair cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. You’ll want to cook it just until al dente, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes. Reserving pasta water is key for finishing the dish—its starchy texture helps the sauce cling to the pasta for a velvety finish.
What to Serve with Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken
- Garlic Bread Pairing this creamy pasta with warm, crusty garlic bread is always a hit. The richness of the pasta’s sauce complements the crunchy, buttery garlic bread, making it an ideal choice for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad For a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, serve it alongside a light salad. A mix of fresh greens, such as arugula, spinach, or romaine, tossed with a lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini, make for an excellent side dish. The slight caramelization from roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, balancing the savory chicken and sauce.
FAQ
- Can I substitute the wine with something else? Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of white wine. While the wine adds a nice depth and acidity to the sauce, the broth will still give you a flavorful base.
- What can I use if I don’t have half-and-half? You can easily substitute half-and-half with a mixture of equal parts milk and cream. Alternatively, heavy cream can be used for a richer sauce, but be sure to adjust the seasoning to balance the creaminess.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? While angel hair is the perfect choice for this dish, you can use other pasta types like spaghetti or linguine. Keep in mind that thicker pastas may require slightly more cooking time and more sauce to coat evenly.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat them before serving, cooking the pasta just before serving.
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken
This delightful Angel Hair Pasta dish features a creamy Parmesan sauce paired with tender chicken. Its simple preparation and flavorful combination make it a perfect addition to any family meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper or lemon pepper seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Pasta & Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine suggested varieties: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half a blend of milk and cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ pound angel hair pasta
- Parsley for garnish
- Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon each of mustard powder oregano, and onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken
- Begin by slicing the chicken breast into two thinner pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound to approximately 1-inch thickness, which will help the meat cook evenly. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper (or lemon pepper, if preferred). Dust each piece with a light coating of flour, ensuring an even spread.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove from the pan and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Making the Sauce
- Once the chicken is removed, turn off the heat and pour in the wine, stirring to lift any browned bits from the pan. Set the heat to medium and allow the wine to reduce by half, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
- As the wine reduces, begin boiling water for the pasta.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture takes on a light golden hue, removing the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously to form a smooth sauce.
- Lower the heat, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, partially covering the pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- Boiling the Pasta
- Add salt to the boiling water and cook the angel hair pasta for approximately 4 minutes, ensuring it remains al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving at least 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with the sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
- If needed, adjust the sauce consistency by adding small splashes of reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Pro Tips
- Wine Choice: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth for a similarly rich flavor.
- Cheese Tip: For a better melting experience, opt for freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge instead of pre-shredded varieties. The texture and flavor will enhance the overall sauce.
