Hello my friends! 🥰 This recipe brings together the rich flavors of marinated chicken, sautéed vegetables, and al dente pasta, all wrapped in a velvety cream sauce with a hint of Dijon mustard and honey. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting yet vibrant, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
The chicken is first marinated with a warm blend of herbs and spices including oregano, nutmeg, and paprika, then seared until golden. Paired with a medley of sweet bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion, the flavors deepen into a base that’s rich and satisfying. Add a creamy Parmesan-spiked sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts indulgent and nourishing.
This is the kind of meal you can make in under an hour and still get that “wow” factor at the table. Let’s cook something delicious together!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Time
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: European / Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
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2 chicken fillets (about 300–350g)
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Salt – ½ teaspoon
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Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
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Oregano – ½ teaspoon
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Nutmeg – a pinch
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Paprika – ½ teaspoon
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Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
For the Pasta:
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Pasta – 250 g (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work well)
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Salt (for boiling pasta)
For the Sauce and Vegetables:
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Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
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1 onion – finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves – minced
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1 bell pepper – diced (any color)
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150 g cherry tomatoes – halved
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240 ml (1 cup) double cream
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Salt – to taste
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Black pepper – to taste
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30 g Parmesan cheese – grated
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1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, optional in version 2)
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300 ml chicken broth (for version 2 sauce)
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100 ml heavy cream (for version 2 sauce)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon honey
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1 tablespoon butter (optional, version 2)
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Fresh parsley – chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
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Slice chicken fillets into strips or cubes.
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In a bowl, season with salt, pepper, oregano, nutmeg, and paprika.
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Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
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Let marinate for 15–20 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
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Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
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Stir in bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes.
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Add cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
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In the same or a separate pan, cook marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
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Add the cooked chicken to the vegetable mixture.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
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Pour in the double cream, then season with salt and pepper.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
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For added richness, stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp honey.
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(For a thicker sauce, add 1 tbsp flour before cream or use chicken broth and cream mixture as in version 2.)
Step 6: Combine Everything
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until pasta is fully coated.
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If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water.
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Let simmer for 1–2 minutes so all the flavors come together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
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Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
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Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with garlic knots or toasted baguette slices.
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Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
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Perfect for a date night, family dinner, or leftovers for lunch.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t skip marinating the chicken—it adds depth of flavor.
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Use high-quality Parmesan for the best cheesy finish.
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For extra heat, add red chili flakes to the sauce.
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Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your diet.
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Swap bell peppers for zucchini or mushrooms if preferred.
Nutritional Benefits
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Chicken: High in lean protein to keep you full.
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Bell peppers & tomatoes: Provide antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene.
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Garlic & onion: Offer immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Cream & Parmesan: Deliver richness with a boost of calcium.
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Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats that enhance flavor and absorption.
Dietary Information
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Contains dairy and gluten
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Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta and flour
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Not vegetarian, but can be made meatless by replacing chicken with tofu or mushrooms
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 520 kcal
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Protein: 28 g
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Carbohydrates: 38 g
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Fat: 30 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 400 mg
Storage
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream.
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Not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Full of Flavor: Every bite brings creaminess, savory herbs, and tender chicken.
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One-Pan Friendly: Easy cleanup and straightforward steps.
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Customizable: Great base for adding veggies or turning it spicy.
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Perfect Comfort Food: Rich enough for a special dinner, simple enough for a weeknight.
Recipe Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bell Peppers & Dijon-Honey Sauce hits all the right notes—savory, slightly sweet, rich, and comforting. The combination of marinated chicken, garlic, onion, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. With a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it warm, creamy, and fresh from the skillet—your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but it won’t be as rich. Add 1 tsp of flour to help thicken it.
2. What’s a good substitute for ricotta or Parmesan?
Cream cheese or shredded mozzarella works in a pinch. Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I add spinach or kale?
Absolutely! Stir it in at the end of cooking to wilt slightly.
4. What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well.
5. Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Store the sauce and pasta separately for the best texture when reheating.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, but feel free to add chili flakes for a kick.
7. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a GF flour or skip thickening entirely.
8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Try coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute. It’ll be a bit different but still tasty.
9. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 15 minutes, but longer is even better—up to overnight.
10. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use regular mustard or leave it out for a more traditional creamy flavor.