Imagine a dish that combines the rich, tangy flavor of whole-grain mustard with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a symphony of taste that transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy experience. This Chicken Pasta with Mustard Sauce is not just a recipe—it’s a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 300g (10.5 oz) diced chicken breast
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta shells
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 20g (0.7 oz) butter
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 pinch grated nutmeg
- Ground pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells for 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the whole-grain mustard and nutmeg. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Add the reserved pasta shells to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each shell with the creamy mustard sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even coating.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and give a final gentle stir before serving.
Quick Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
Why This Recipe Is a Healthy Choice
This Chicken Pasta with Mustard Sauce offers more than just incredible flavor. The lean chicken provides high-quality protein, while the whole-grain mustard adds a boost of antioxidants and potential metabolism-boosting properties. The use of fresh herbs and careful cooking method ensures you’re getting a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
Pro Tips
- Meal Prep Hack: Cut the chicken in advance and refrigerate to ensure faster, more even cooking.
- Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with thick fromage blanc and replace butter with olive oil for a healthier alternative.
Elevate your dinner routine with this simple yet sophisticated pasta dish that proves gourmet cooking can be both accessible and delicious!