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#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. 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, reserving a little pasta water in case you need it later.
#### Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies
1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, mushrooms (if using), and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
#### Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
2. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates or a large bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy every last bite (but don’t blame me if you end up going back for seconds… or thirds).
– **Creamy and Cheesy:** The rich, velvety cream sauce combined with the gooey melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan creates a cheesy dream that’s hard to resist.
– **Savory and Flavorful:** The chicken, sautéed vegetables, and Italian seasoning blend together perfectly to create a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
– **Simple Yet Addictive:** The ingredients are straightforward, but the end result is pure indulgence. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most delicious!
– **Comfort Food Heaven:** This dish has that perfect balance of comfort food that makes you feel cozy and satisfied, yet still craving just one more bite.
– **Perfect for Sharing (or Not):** This dish is so good, it’s tempting to keep it all to yourself. But if you can bear to share, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
– **Add More Veggies:** If you want to balance out the richness a bit, feel free to add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. You’ll feel a little less guilty about going for that second helping!
– **Swap the Meat:** If you’re looking for variety, try swapping the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
– **Make It Spicy:** If you’re a fan of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
– **Make It Lighter:** For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
So go ahead, indulge a little—just don’t blame me when you can’t stop going back for seconds.