Quick Succulent Chicken in Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering succulent chicken in a luscious pink sauce pasta sparks culinary excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Creamy textures and vibrant colors dance across dinner plates with unexpected elegance.

Unexpected combinations create magic when simple ingredients merge brilliantly.

Italian-inspired comfort emerges through rich, velvety sauce coating tender chicken pieces.

Delicate herbs and subtle spices complement each delectable bite perfectly.

Weeknight meals transform into gourmet experiences with minimal preparation efforts.

Come savor this delightful recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

Why Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta Stands Out

• Create a Flavor Explosion: Dive into a creamy pasta dish that combines zesty Portuguese seasoning, sun-dried tomato pesto, and a kick of red chili for a taste adventure.
• Personalize Your Comfort Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to suit your family's preferences.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Dish: Impress your loved ones with a restaurant-style pasta that looks and tastes like a gourmet creation but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed For Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

• Chicken: Succulent meat cubes seasoned for a flavorful main protein.

• Pasta: Core ingredient that forms the foundation of the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Pasta Sauce: Provides rich tomato depth and complexity.
• Fresh Cream: Adds smooth, luxurious texture to the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build the dish's flavor profile.
• Garlic Salt, Black Pepper, Portuguese Seasoning: Provides balanced and complex seasoning for the chicken.
• Red Chili, Chili Flakes: Adds heat and vibrant spiciness.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates a rich cooking base and adds depth to the dish.

• Grated Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, rich sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and bright flavor.

• Pasta Water: Helps create a silky, cohesive sauce texture.

How To Make Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

• Garlic salt
• Black pepper
• Portuguese seasoning

Let the chicken absorb these delicious flavors while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a half cup of starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Chopped onions

Sauté until onions become translucent and develop a sweet, golden edge.

Step 4: Cook Chicken with Precision

Add marinated chicken to the skillet.

Cook thoroughly, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown sear. Move pieces around to prevent sticking and guarantee even cooking.

Step 5: Enhance with Aromatic Ingredients

• Crushed garlic
• Chopped red chili

Quickly fry for just a moment to release their intense flavors without burning.

Step 6: Build the Creamy Pink Sauce

• Sun-dried tomato pesto
• Fresh cream

Blend ingredients smoothly, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pan.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water, allowing the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Finish

• Grated cheese
• Additional pasta sauce

Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Fresh parsley
• Chili flakes

Serve immediately for maximum flavor and presentation.

Top Tips For Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

• Marinate chicken ahead of time for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use fresh cream at room temperature to prevent sauce from curdling during cooking.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and create silky texture.
• Choose high-quality sun-dried tomato pesto for richer, more complex sauce flavor.
• Select firm pasta like penne or rigatoni that can hold the creamy sauce effectively without becoming mushy.

Tasty Spins On Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Portuguese seasoning with za'atar, add kalamata olives, and incorporate feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Creamy Mushroom Variation: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions, use white wine instead of pasta water, and add thyme for an earthy woodland flavor.
• Veggie Protein Power: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, add roasted bell peppers, and use nutritional yeast for a plant-based protein-packed alternative.
• Smoky Chipotle Edition: Swap red chili for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, use smoked paprika in the marinade, and add a touch of Mexican-style crema for a bold southwestern profile.

Pairings That Match Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy pink sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the delicate chicken and pasta flavors.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan to balance the pasta's creaminess and add a zesty, refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread brushed with olive oil and garlic to soak up the delicious pink sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the tender chicken.

Storage Tips For Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs About Succulent Chicken In A Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta

• What type of seasoning is used in this recipe?

Portuguese seasoning is used to marinate the chicken, which adds a unique and flavorful dimension to the dish.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chopped red chili or chili flakes according to your preference.

• What makes the sauce pink?

The pink sauce is created by combining sun-dried tomato pesto or pasta sauce with fresh cream, giving it a rich and creamy texture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This pasta dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it convenient for quick meals during the week.

Succulent Chicken in a Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Chicken in a Luscious Pink Sauce Pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy, velvety notes. Rich and indulgent flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) chicken, cubed

Sauce Base and Dairy:

• 300 milliliters (10 fluid ounces) fresh cream
• 3–4 tablespoons grated cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 red chili, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• Seasoning of choice (garlic salt, black pepper, Portuguese seasoning)

Other Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) pasta, cooked
• 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto or pasta sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Parsley
• Chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Blend garlic salt, black pepper, and Portuguese seasoning to coat chicken cubes thoroughly, letting the marinade infuse for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat water in a large pot, cook pasta according to package guidelines until al dente, carefully reserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
3. Select a spacious skillet, heat olive oil and butter together, introduce chopped onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, creating a golden aromatic base.
4. Transfer marinated chicken into the skillet, ensuring each piece has adequate space to brown evenly without steaming, cooking until golden and fully cooked through.
5. Incorporate crushed garlic and finely chopped red chili, quickly stirring to release their intense aromatics without burning, approximately 30 seconds.
6. Introduce sun-dried tomato pesto and fresh cream, gently blending to create a harmonious pink sauce with rich, complex flavor profiles.
7. Integrate cooked pasta and reserved water into the skillet, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and gradually thicken, coating each pasta strand luxuriously.
8. Sprinkle grated cheese into the mixture, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a velvety, creamy consistency.
9. Optional final touch: Garnish with fresh parsley and a light dusting of chili flakes to enhance visual appeal and provide a subtle additional flavor dimension.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and promote better browning.
• For a lighter version, substitute fresh cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked when boiling since it continues cooking when mixed with the sauce, preventing mushy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg