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    Marinated Chicken One Pan Pasta


    How y'all doing as 2018 nears the end of its moments? I'm happy though. It shows progress and growth. So this was one of the three courses for the Nairobi Kitchen Anniversary Giveaway competition. I love pasta, add chicken and you have a fast simple one pot meal that is delicious. The best part about one pot meals is that you will have less hassle when cleaning up and you put everything together and they cook as you wait to just serve. Fun fact: It is estimated that Italians eat over 60 pounds (27 kg) of pasta per person, per year, easily beating Americans, who eat about 20 pounds (9.1 kg) per person. Pasta is so beloved in Italy that individual consumption exceeds the average production of wheat of the country; thus Italy frequently imports wheat for pasta making. Pasta is not only delicious but nutritious as well since it has a lower glycemic index than many other staple foods in Western culture, like bread, potatoes, and rice. More reason to eat pasta everyday, if you can, that is. Enjoy today's chicken pasta dish and I hope you will enjoy it!

    INGREDIENTS

    1 Packet Pasta
    2 Chicken Breast 
    1 Carrot
    1 Onion
    1/2 Bunch Cilantro
    1 Teaspoon Cayenne
    1  Teaspoon Black Pepper
    Garlic Ginger Paste
    1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
    Pinch Salt
    1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

    METHOD


    Marinate chicken in soy sauce, salt, black pepper and ginger garlic paste for 1 hour or overnight

    Cook pasta according to packet instructions until al dente, set aside

    Add chopped onions to pan with oil and fry until golden brown

    Add carrots and cook a few minutes until softened. Pour on a plate and set aside

    Add marinated chicken to pan and fry until cooked through and browned

    Add in the onion carrot mixture, salt and toss to combine

    Lastly pour in the cooked pasta, toss to combine and take off the heat


    Great combination of chicken, pasta and veggies




    MARINATED CHICKEN ONE PAN PASTA

    Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

    Prep time: 05 Minutes
    Cook time: 15 Minutes
    Total time: 20 Minutes
    Yield: 2 Servings
    Ingredients
    • 1 Packet Pasta
    • 2 Chicken Breast
    • 1 Onion
    • 1 Carrot
    • 1/2 Bunch Cilantro
    • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
    • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 1 Tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
    • 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
    • Pinch Salt
    Cooking Directions
    1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce, salt, black pepper and ginger garlic paste for 1 hour or overnight
    2. Cook pasta according to packet instructions until al dente, set aside
    3. Add chopped onions to pan with oil and fry until golden brown. Add carrots and cook a few minutes until softened. Pour on a plate and set aside
    4. Add marinated chicken to pan and fry until cooked through and browned. Add in the onion carrot mixture, salt and toss to combine
    5. Lastly pour in the cooked pasta, toss to combine and take off the heat

    Marinated Chicken One Pan Pasta

    This dish brings together juicy marinated chicken and tender pasta cooked in one skillet—no boiling water or draining needed! It's flavorful, time-saving, and perfect for busy weeknights.

    FAQs – Marinated Chicken One Pan Pasta

    Q: What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
    A: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly.

    Q: Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
    A: Yes, but skip the marinating step. Add the cooked chicken toward the end to prevent it from drying out.

    Q: Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
    A: No! This is a one-pan recipe, so the pasta cooks right in the same pan, absorbing all the flavors from the chicken and sauce.

    Q: What marinade flavors work best?
    A: Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, and Italian herbs make a great base. You can customize it with chili flakes, soy sauce, or yogurt for added depth.

    Q: Can I add vegetables to the one pan pasta?
    A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms are great additions. Add firm veggies early and delicate ones like spinach toward the end.

    Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
    A: Stir occasionally and ensure there’s enough liquid. Using a nonstick or well-seasoned pan helps too.

    Printable Nutrition Card (Per serving – based on 4 servings)

    Nutrient Amount Notes
    Calories ~430 kcal Varies based on pasta and marinade
    Total Fat ~15 g Includes marinade oil and chicken fat
    Saturated Fat ~3 g Depends on oil/butter used
    Cholesterol ~70 mg From chicken
    Sodium ~400 mg Based on seasoning
    Carbohydrates ~42 g From pasta
    Fiber ~3 g Higher with whole wheat pasta
    Sugar ~3 g Natural sugars from added veggies
    Protein ~32 g Mainly from chicken and pasta

    Note: Adjust values depending on pasta type and add-ins (cheese, veggies, etc.)

    Dietary Information Table

    Diet Type Suitable? Notes
    Vegetarian ❌ No Contains chicken
    Vegan ❌ No Contains chicken and potentially dairy in marinade
    Gluten-Free ⚠️ With changes Use gluten-free pasta and check marinade ingredients
    Dairy-Free ✅ If modified Avoid dairy-based marinades or toppings
    Nut-Free ✅ Yes As long as no nut-based oils or toppings are added
    Keto / Low-Carb ❌ No Pasta is high in carbs—use spiralized veggies for a swap
    Paleo ❌ No Pasta is not paleo-approved; sub with zucchini noodles
    Whole30 ❌ No Grains and certain oils not allowed

    Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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