Leftover cooked chicken and pasta are two staples that can easily become a delicious meal when combined in a creative and simple recipe. This recipe is perfect for those days when you have some leftover ingredients in the fridge and want to whip up a quick and satisfying dish without much hassle. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can use any type of pasta and seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into making this delightful leftover cooked chicken and pasta dish together.
**Leftover Cooked Chicken And Pasta**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of leftover cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 8 oz of pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. **Add the Chicken:** Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Stir well to combine and heat the chicken through.
4. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, into the skillet with the chicken. Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. **Incorporate the Pasta:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of the reserved cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. **Serve:** Divide the leftover cooked chicken and pasta into serving plates. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.
7. **Enjoy:** Your delightful and easy leftover cooked chicken and pasta dish is ready to be enjoyed! This meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick family dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the herbs and seasonings.
Leftover cooked chicken and pasta can be transformed into a flavorful and comforting meal with just a few additional ingredients. This recipe is not only a great way to repurpose leftovers but also a convenient option for busy days when you need a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces to create variations of this versatile dish based on what you have available in your kitchen.
