Description
Chicken Pasta Milano is a creamy, savory dinner featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and rich plant-based cheese, enhanced with fresh herbs and a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this adaptable dish offers a perfect balance of comfort and elegance for any weeknight or special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Sauces & Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
Cheese & Thickening
- 3/4 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving half a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté sliced smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel. In the same pan, cook diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté Garlic and Create Sauce Base: Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant without browning. Pour in grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), scraping any browned bits from the pan to add extra flavor.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Slowly stir in heavy cream (plant-based) and sprinkle natural gelling agent to gently thicken the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, then add plant-based cheese, allowing it to melt effortlessly into the sauce.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and smoked turkey bacon to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in finely chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
- Bring heavy cream (plant-based) to room temperature before adding for a seamless sauce texture.
- Cook bacon and chicken separately to retain crispiness and juiciness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent based on your preferred sauce thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chicken, Pasta, Creamy Sauce, Plant-Based Cheese, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Quick Dinner, Dairy-Free, Italian-inspired
