Description
A vibrant and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and fresh vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 1/3 cup fresh grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil spray
- Kosher salt
- Fresh pepper
- 6 ounces fresh thin asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta or other cut pasta, wheat or gluten-free
- 2 medium leeks, cleaned and white and light green parts thinly sliced
- 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen peas, no need to thaw
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Combine fat-free milk, grated cheese, and cream cheese in a small blender, then set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every bit is evenly coated.
- Heat a large pot over high heat and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Add the seasoned chicken, sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh pepper, and cook until browned, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, allowing it to rest.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits.
- Pour in the remaining broth and cream cheese mixture; stir in the pasta and sliced leeks.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmer for 15 minutes.
- Check the pasta for doneness, cooking for an additional minute if necessary.
- Fold in the asparagus and artichokes; cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender.
- Add the chicken back into the pot along with its juices, then stir in the frozen peas, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat, fold in freshly chopped basil, and serve with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Fat-free milk can be swapped with any preferred milk. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg