Nut-free dairy-free chicken pasta

Nut-free dairy free chicken pasta

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

• For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fusilli, or penne)

  • Salt, for cooking pasta

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let it rest before slicing into strips.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet used for the chicken, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

   • Add the diced tomatoes and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

   • Stir in the cream or coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

4. Combine:

   • Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine. Heat through for a couple of minutes to ensure everything is warm.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) for extra flavor.

Notes:

• Pasta Choice: You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great if you're catering to dietary needs.

• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version of the sauce.