Best Angel Hair Pasta With Chicken And Avocado Pesto Recipes

Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken and Avocado Pesto Recipes: A Delightful, Nutritious and Easy-to-Make Meal

Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a long, thin pasta that pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or busy lunches. When paired with a flavorful avocado pesto, fresh herbs, chicken, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it makes for a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will love!

What is Angel Hair Pasta?

Angel hair pasta is a type of Italian pasta that is also known as capellini. It is similar in appearance to spaghetti but is much thinner and more delicate. It is typically made from wheat flour and water, and it cooks in just a few minutes.

This type of pasta is often used in simple dishes that showcase a flavorful sauce or topping. Its thin texture also makes it a great option for dishes that require a light, delicate pasta, such as soups or salads.

What is Avocado Pesto?

Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that is typically made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. However, there are many variations of pesto that include different ingredients or substitutions. One such variation is avocado pesto.

Avocado pesto is a creamy and flavorful sauce that is made with ripe avocados, fresh herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. It is a healthier alternative to traditional pesto, as it contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fewer calories and saturated fats than traditional pesto.

How to Make Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken and Avocado Pesto

Making angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto is a breeze. Here are the steps:

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked chicken, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
4. Next, prepare the avocado pesto. In a food processor, combine ripe avocado, fresh basil, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth, adding a splash of water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
5. Add the avocado pesto to the skillet with the chicken and stir until the chicken is coated in the sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Divide the pasta among bowls and top with fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese or additional toppings of your choosing. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken and Avocado Pesto

Not only is this dish easy to make, but it's also loaded with nutritious ingredients. Avocado pesto provides healthy fats, fiber and vitamins, while the chicken provides a good source of protein. Angel hair pasta is a low-calorie, low-fat option that is perfect for those who want to watch their weight.

Plus, the flavors of this dish are simply delicious. The creamy avocado pesto pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken, while the delicate angel hair pasta provides the perfect base for the sauce.

In just under 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful and wholesome meal that everyone will love. Try angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto tonight, and you'll see why it's quickly becoming a household favorite!

Angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto is a delicious and healthy meal that you can easily prepare at home. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Angel hair pasta is a thin and delicate pasta, and when combined with chicken and avocado pesto, it creates a rich and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips that will help you make the best angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto.

Tip 1: Choose the right pasta

The first and most crucial tip for making angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto is choosing the right pasta. Angel hair pasta is delicate, and it requires careful cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked. Therefore, you should choose high-quality pasta that will not break or stick together when cooked. Look for pasta that is made from durum wheat, semolina, or a combination of both. These types of pasta are more stable and can withstand boiling water without falling apart.

Tip 1.1: Cook the pasta al dente

Cooking the pasta perfectly is vital to the success of this recipe. You should cook the pasta al dente, which means that it's firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, while undercooked pasta can be hard and unappetizing. Therefore, you should follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package and taste the pasta regularly while cooking to ensure that it's cooked to perfection.

Tip 1.2: Use enough water

Using enough water is essential when cooking angel hair pasta. The pasta should have enough space to move around freely in the water to prevent it from sticking together. Therefore, you should use at least 4-6 quarts of water per pound of pasta. Also, don't forget to add salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.

Tip 2: Prepare the chicken correctly

The chicken is a crucial ingredient in this recipe as it adds protein and flavor to the dish. Therefore, you should prepare the chicken correctly to ensure that it's juicy and flavorful. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Here are some tips for preparing the chicken:

Tip 2.1: Cut the chicken into thin strips

Cutting the chicken into thin strips is essential because it allows it to cook quickly and evenly. Also, thin strips of chicken are easier to handle when mixing them with the pasta and pesto. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into thin strips, and make sure that all the pieces are of the same size to ensure that they cook evenly.

Tip 2.2: Season the chicken well

Seasoning the chicken well is essential to enhance its flavor. You can use any seasoning of your choice, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs. Make sure that you season both sides of the chicken strips and let them sit for at least 20 minutes before cooking.

Tip 2.3: Cook the chicken in a hot pan

Cooking the chicken in a hot pan is the best way to get a juicy and flavorful result. Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of searing.

Tip 3: Making the avocado pesto

The avocado pesto is the star of this dish. It's creamy, flavorful, and healthy. Here are some tips that will help you make the best avocado pesto:

Tip 3.1: Use ripe avocados

Using ripe avocados is essential for making a creamy and flavorful pesto. Look for avocados that are slightly soft to the touch and have a deep green color. Avoid using avocados that are too ripe as they may be too soft and may not hold their shape well when mashed.

Tip 3.2: Use fresh ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is essential for making a flavorful pesto. You can use fresh basil or parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Avoid using dried herbs or bottled lemon juice as they may not provide the same flavor as fresh ingredients.

Tip 3.3: Blend the ingredients well

Blending the ingredients well is essential to get a smooth and creamy pesto. Use a food processor or blender to blend the avocado, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. If the pesto is too thick, you can add some water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Tip 4: Mix the ingredients together

Mixing the cooked pasta, chicken, and avocado pesto together is the final step in making this dish. Here are some tips that will help you mix the ingredients together:

Tip 4.1: Reserve some pasta water

Reserving some pasta water before draining the pasta is essential. The starchy water can be used to thin out the pesto and create a creamy sauce. You can also use the pasta water to adjust the seasoning of the dish.

Tip 4.2: Mix the ingredients in a large bowl

Mixing the ingredients in a large bowl is essential to ensure that the pasta, chicken, and pesto are evenly distributed. Use a large bowl and add the cooked pasta, chicken, and pesto. Mix well and make sure that all the ingredients are coated with the pesto.

Tip 4.3: Add some toppings

Adding some toppings can take this dish to the next level. You can add some roasted cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped fresh basil. The toppings will add some color and flavor to the dish and make it look more appetizing.

Conclusion

Angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto is a delicious and healthy meal that you can easily prepare at home. Following the tips mentioned above will help you make the best angel hair pasta with chicken and avocado pesto. Remember to choose the right pasta, prepare the chicken correctly, make the avocado pesto, and mix the ingredients together. With these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love!