If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances comfort and freshness, you have got to try this Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta Recipe. It’s a delicious medley of tender chicken, vibrant peas, and a luscious blend of cheeses that come together in a creamy sauce, enveloping every spiral of chickpea pasta. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a great way to bring color, texture, and a boost of protein to your mealtime. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this pasta delivers on flavor and satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that create layers of flavor and delightful texture. Each item, from the tender chicken to the variety of cheeses, plays a key role in crafting the perfect creamy pasta experience.
- 200g chickpea spirals pasta: A healthy and protein-rich alternative to regular pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
- 120g frozen peas: Adds a sweet pop of flavor and lovely green color.
- 150g sugar snap peas, halved diagonally: For a crunchy, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil: Essential for cooking the chicken and sautéing aromatics with richness.
- 250g chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides lean protein and a tender bite to the dish.
- 1 small brown onion, finely chopped: Builds a savory base with its subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a fragrant kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup (250ml) low-fat milk: Helps create the smooth and luscious sauce without heaviness.
- ½ cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken stock: Adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: For its nutty, savory punch and impeccable melting quality.
- ¼ cup (25g) each of grated reduced-fat cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and provolone cheeses: This cheese blend makes the sauce ultra creamy with layers of mellow flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning essentials that elevate the entire dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of green right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Peas
Start by cooking your chickpea spirals pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta keeps a pleasant bite. During the last two minutes of cooking, toss in the frozen peas and sugar snap peas to gently cook them with the pasta. Once done, drain everything and set aside, preserving their vibrant color and fresh crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate so you can use the same skillet for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In that same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their full aromatic potential, which forms the backbone of the sauce’s flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the low-fat milk and chicken stock, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the blend of grated cheeses. Keep stirring continuously so the sauce melts evenly into a luscious, velvety texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences for that final flavor boost.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and peas to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until every piece is beautifully coated in that rich, cheesy goodness. This is where the magic truly comes together, creating a wonderfully balanced dish full of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta Recipe immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The herb adds brightness and a subtle freshness that perfectly complements the creamy richness of the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish here, adding a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color. If you want to switch things up, try a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes for a little heat or some lemon zest for a fresh twist that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrients. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pair beautifully, ready to soak up any extra sauce lingering on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase all the colorful peas and chicken pieces. You can even sprinkle extra Parmesan or cheese blend on top just before serving for an irresistible baked golden crust when broiled briefly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as tasty if not better.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta can sometimes affect texture, you can freeze this dish if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure the pasta warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea spirals?
Absolutely! While chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber, any pasta shape you prefer will work well with this creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and mild flavors make it a family-friendly favorite. You can reduce or omit black pepper if your little ones prefer something milder.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, the cheese blend is flexible. Use whatever combination you like or have on hand, though Parmesan is key for that authentic carbonara flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have chicken stock?
You can use vegetable stock or even water with a pinch of salt as a substitute. The stock adds depth but isn’t absolutely necessary.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You might want to add mushrooms or tofu for extra protein and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about a warm plate of creamy pasta loaded with tender chicken and fresh peas, and this Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to share with guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll discover a new favorite that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and comforting goodness.
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Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Pea Carbonara Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, a medley of peas, and a rich, cheesy sauce made from a blend of reduced-fat cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe uses chickpea pasta for a nutritious twist, delivering a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 200g chickpea spirals pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 120g frozen peas
- 150g sugar snap peas, halved diagonally
Protein and Aromatics
- 250g chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup (250ml) low-fat milk
- ½ cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken stock
Cheeses
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated reduced-fat provolone cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and sugar snap peas to the boiling water to blanch them. Drain the pasta and peas together and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the low-fat milk and low-sodium chicken stock into the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and provolone cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and all the cheeses have melted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and peas to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly so everything is well coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the chickpea pasta with any other pasta of your choice, though chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber.
- Adjust the cheese quantities based on your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken stock or allow the sauce to simmer longer to evaporate some liquid.
- Make sure not to overcook the peas to retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
