Description
Chicken Pasta Milano is a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast with smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese in a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal features a smooth, smoky, and rich profile enhanced by fresh garlic, shallots, and parsley. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it uses simple everyday ingredients and offers customizable options to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Skinless boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Plant-based cheese (grated)
- Penne or rigatoni pasta
- Garlic, minced
- Shallots, minced
- Plant-based heavy cream
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
- Natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes
- Red chili flakes or smoked paprika
- Grilled shrimp or seared scallops
- Gluten-free pasta substitute
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken breast into thin strips for even cooking. Chop smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic and shallots. Grate the plant-based cheese. Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking until fragrant. Add smoked turkey bacon pieces and sauté until crispy and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken strips to the skillet with the bacon and aromatics. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in the plant-based heavy cream followed by vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while whisking gently to create a smooth, thickened sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and carefully toss to combine all ingredients. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Finish by folding in grated plant-based cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Slice chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly and stays tender.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce texture for a smooth coating.
- Simmer the sauce gently to melt plant-based cheese thoroughly.
- Add parsley at the end to keep its fresh flavor and bright color.
- Cook turkey bacon slowly until crispy for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, weeknight meal
