Need a Quickie?
Try this Need a Quickie recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Need a Quickie recipe, or contribute your own.
- garlic powder to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic thinly sliced
- 1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta
- 5 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut int
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bunch slender asparagus spears trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
- Carbohydrate 0.493960000053888 g
- Cholesterol 0.916666667834676 mg
- Fat 3.11444750158585 g
- Fiber 0.0511499980290731 g
- Protein 0.759425000510473 g
- Saturated Fat 0.569266250396174 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (25g)
- Sodium 74.5977621730961 mg
- Sugar 0.442810002024815 g
- Trans Fat 0.0956945833893683 g
- Calories 32 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil.
- Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain, and set aside.
- Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir in chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken to paper towels.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet.
- Then stir in asparagus, garlic, and a pinch more garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover, and steam until the asparagus is just tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, and warm through.
- Stir chicken mixture into pasta, and mix well.
- Let sit about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Need a Quickie? My Go-To Weeknight Pasta Dinner
Let's be honest, ladies. Between work deadlines, carpools, PTA meetings, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel downright impossible. This isn't a sob story; it's a shared experience! We all crave those moments of deliciousness, but we need recipes that work with our crazy schedules. That's where this "Need a Quickie?" pasta dish comes in. It’s my lifesaver – a quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my many frantic searches for a weeknight dinner that wouldn't require a culinary degree to prepare. I’m a marketing executive, and my days are filled with back-to-back meetings and endless emails. My evenings are equally demanding, juggling homework help with my kids and trying to squeeze in a quick workout. This recipe truly fits my lifestyle. It’s quick enough to prepare after a long workday and yet satisfying enough to make me feel like I haven't sacrificed on taste or nutrition. The best part? It's adaptable! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes. Need to use up leftover veggies? Throw them in! The beauty of this dish is its flexibility.
The ingredients are simple, readily available at any grocery store, and the entire cooking process takes less than 30 minutes. I often double the recipe, as it reheats wonderfully, perfect for lunches throughout the week. This cuts down on my meal prep time even more, leaving me with more time to focus on what truly matters – my family and my sanity. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors and textures in my mouth. It's a comfort food that nourishes my body and my soul after a long day. The parmesan cheese adds that final touch of indulgence, making it feel like a treat, even though it's healthy and incredibly straightforward to prepare.
I know many women struggle to balance their professional and personal lives. We're constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and often feel stretched thin. But taking care of ourselves – even in small ways like enjoying a delicious and easy meal – is essential for maintaining our well-being. This "Need a Quickie?" pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a reminder to prioritize self-care and to find joy in the simple things. It's a symbol of efficiency and deliciousness, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember this recipe. It’s your quick escape to a delicious and satisfying dinner, even on the busiest of nights.
Tips and variations:
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Use different vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
- Make it a complete protein: Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Boost the flavor: Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a brighter taste.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta cheese at the end.
