Creamy Chicken and Artichoke Pasta
Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of this creamy chicken and artichoke pasta dish. Perfectly tender chicken is sautéed until golden, then simmered in a luscious sauce made with pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Finished with artichokes and fresh herbs, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings the essence of The Olive Garden to your table without any fuss.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pancetta or Bacon
1/4 cup (Diced)
Butter
6 tablespoons (Cubed)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1/4 cup (Diced)
Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups
Milk
1 1/2 cups
Cornstarch
1 ounce
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Smoked Gouda Cheese
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Rosemary
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Sliced Artichokes
8 1/2 ounces (Drained)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Mushroom
1/4 cup (Sliced)
Pasta (of choice)
1 1/2 lbs (Cooked according to package directions)
Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces)
Flour
3/4 cup
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing)
White Wine
1/4 cup
Fresh Parsley
For garnish (Chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Artichoke Pasta?
It is a rich and savory dish featuring tender sautéed chicken, artichokes, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce made with pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and smoked Gouda cheese.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces.
Can I substitute pancetta with bacon?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either diced pancetta or diced bacon depending on your preference.
What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of your favorite pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini, cooked according to the package directions.
How is the chicken prepared before cooking?
The chicken pieces should be dredged in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper before being sautéed in olive oil.
What cheeses are used in the creamy sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup chopped smoked Gouda cheese for a complex flavor profile.
How do I thicken the sauce for this pasta?
The sauce is thickened using one ounce of cornstarch mixed with the milk and heavy cream base.
Should I use fresh or canned artichokes?
The recipe specifies 8 1/2 ounces of sliced artichokes that have been drained, which usually refers to canned or jarred varieties.
Does this recipe include wine?
Yes, 1/4 cup of white wine is used to add depth and acidity to the creamy sauce.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh rosemary is cooked into the sauce, and fresh parsley is used as a garnish.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms.
Is this recipe similar to Olive Garden dishes?
Yes, the description mentions this recipe is designed to bring the essence of The Olive Garden to your home kitchen.
How much butter is required for the sauce?
You will need 6 tablespoons of cubed butter to create the rich sauce base.
Do I need to dice the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/4 cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
The recipe uses a 1:1 ratio of 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups of milk to achieve the perfect consistency.
What is the role of garlic in this recipe?
One teaspoon of chopped garlic is used to provide an aromatic base for the sauce.
How should I cook the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until golden and tender.
What can I use as a garnish?
Chopped fresh parsley is the recommended garnish for this dish.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' and 'comfort food,' making it suitable for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the smoked Gouda?
While smoked Gouda provides a specific smoky flavor, you could substitute it with regular Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack if needed.
How much pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of pasta, which is roughly three standard 8oz boxes or one and a half 16oz boxes.
Are the artichokes supposed to be whole?
No, the artichokes should be sliced and drained before adding them to the pasta.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious, creamy, and rich, adhering well to the pasta thanks to the cornstarch and cheese.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, spinach or peas would be excellent additions to the chicken and artichoke mix.
What flavor does the rosemary add?
The tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary provides an earthy, aromatic quality that complements the chicken and cream.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, although the recipe says to cook pasta according to package directions, which almost always recommends salting the water.
What is the best way to chop the smoked Gouda?
Since Gouda is a semi-hard cheese, it should be chopped into small, uniform pieces so it melts evenly into the sauce.
Is there a lot of sodium in this dish?
Between the pancetta, Parmesan, and added salt, the dish is well-seasoned; you can adjust the added 3/4 teaspoon of salt to your taste.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but use only 1/3 of the amount (1 teaspoon) as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
How do I ensure the chicken is golden?
Ensure the olive oil is hot before adding the floured chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan so the pieces sauté rather than steam.