Ainsley's Pasta with Chicken and Peas

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: turkey breast

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner and may be less expensive than chicken breast.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: Nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and lower in calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is heart-healthy.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor and is dairy-free.

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add diced chicken breast to the skillet; cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer; reduce heat.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to combine with chicken and peas.

Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.

Stir in butter, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens