Sun-Drenched Spring Chicken Pasta
This delightful pasta dish is a celebration of spring, featuring tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and vibrant bell peppers, all mingling with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Enriched with a creamy ricotta and basil blend, every bite is both refreshing and comforting. This dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner that brings the essence of spring onto your plate.
6
Servings
308
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
8 ounces (uncooked)
asparagus
1 lb (cut into 2 inch pieces)
sun-dried tomatoes
8 (chopped (not oil packed))
garlic
2 cloves (finely chopped)
yellow bell peppers
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
red onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
chicken broth
2 cups
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1/2 inch strips)
fat-free ricotta cheese
3/4 cup
fresh basil
1/3 cup (chopped)
low-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, omitting the salt, and drain thoroughly.
2
In a large 3-quart saucepan, combine the asparagus, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, yellow bell peppers, red onion, and chicken broth. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
Add the chicken breast strips to the saucepan and continue to cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly until the chicken is fully cooked and the asparagus is crisp-tender.
4
Reduce the heat to low and fold in the cooked spaghetti along with ricotta cheese, fresh basil, low-fat sour cream, salt, and pepper.
5
Toss the ingredients gently for about 30 seconds or until the dish is thoroughly heated and well combined.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
33g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sun-Drenched Spring Chicken Pasta?
It is a light and refreshing spring-themed pasta dish featuring tender chicken, asparagus, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy ricotta and basil sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include spaghetti, asparagus, chicken breast, yellow bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 308 calories.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti.
Should I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
No, the recipe recommends using 8 chopped sun-dried tomatoes that are not oil-packed.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving of this pasta dish contains 7g of fat.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 25g per serving.
How should I prepare the asparagus?
The asparagus should be cut into 2-inch pieces before cooking.
How long do the vegetables need to cook initially?
The asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and onion should be cooked in chicken broth over medium heat for 5 minutes.
How is the chicken prepared for this dish?
You should use 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into 1/2 inch strips.
What makes the sauce creamy without heavy cream?
The creaminess comes from a combination of 3/4 cup fat-free ricotta cheese and 2 tablespoons of low-fat sour cream.
What fresh herb is used for flavoring?
Freshly chopped basil (1/3 cup) is used to give the dish its vibrant spring flavor.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use a specific type of broth?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of chicken broth for cooking the vegetables and chicken.
What size pan is recommended for cooking?
A large 3-quart saucepan is ideal for combining the ingredients.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
Once added to the pan, the chicken strips should be cooked for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked.
When do I add the cooked spaghetti?
The spaghetti is folded in after the chicken is fully cooked and the heat has been reduced to low.
How much red onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped red onion.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish considered a main course?
Yes, it is tagged as a main dish and is suitable for a full dinner.
Can I garnish this meal?
Yes, serving immediately with extra fresh basil as a garnish is recommended.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
You will need 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic.
Are the bell peppers specified by color?
Yes, the recipe specifically requests 1 1/2 cups of chopped yellow bell peppers.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with short cooking times for both vegetables and chicken, it is tagged as an easy dinner.
Can I use fat-free ricotta?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists 3/4 cup of fat-free ricotta cheese to keep the dish light.
What is the texture of the asparagus in the final dish?
The asparagus should be cooked until it is crisp-tender.
Do I salt the pasta water?
The instructions suggest omitting the salt when cooking the spaghetti.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is intended to be served immediately while thoroughly heated.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include spring, chicken, pasta, healthy, and family meal.