Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. dried pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 jar (about 16 oz.) pre-made pasta sauce (e.g., tomato-based or alfredo sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp. dried oregano or basil
- 1 pound cooked chicken, cut into pieces (or other cooked protein of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the pasta sauce, heavy cream, and herbs. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on average values; varies depending on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: ~500 per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Fat: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~48g
- Protein: ~20g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich sauce perfectly coats the reheated pasta.
- Chicken pieces add a satisfying protein component for a balanced meal.
- Easy to customize with different pasta shapes or add-ons like seafood or vegetables.
User Comments:
- "The cream sauce was so rich and delicious! This dish reminded me of a restaurant-style pasta."
- "Reheating the pasta brought back its original texture and flavor, great for a quick yet satisfying meal."
- "I added some steamed vegetables for extra nutrition and it was still very tasty."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure the pasta is not overcooked during reheating, or it may become mushy.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken or use vegan-friendly alternatives like tofu or plant-based protein.
