Indulge your taste buds with a vibrant twist on a classic Italian dish that’s sure to impress! Our Farfalle with Chicken, Red Pepper, and Basil Sauce is not just a meal; it's a delightful culinary experience that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs all tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this quick and easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any busy cook. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of farfalle pasta, 2 diced chicken breasts, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season it.
- Add the farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender and the garlic is fragrant.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained farfalle to the skillet with the chicken and red pepper mixture. Toss everything together to combine.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the farfalle with chicken and red pepper basil sauce hot, garnished with extra basil if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook the farfalle pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, which will complement the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken Secrets: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This step enhances the taste and juiciness of the chicken.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil and red bell peppers for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but nothing beats the aroma and taste of fresh ingredients!
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! Adding it to your sauce not only helps to achieve the perfect consistency but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Garnish for Glam: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your dish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. It makes for a beautiful presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 452kcal
Carbohydrates: 66g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
