Description
Chicken Pasta Milano is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, smoky turkey bacon, and rich plant-based cheese in a luscious sauce enhanced with natural grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a satisfying, versatile dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 300g penne or rigatoni pasta
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup grape juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the chosen pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken and bacon: Slice chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips. Chop smoked turkey bacon into small pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside. In the same skillet, add chicken strips and sauté until golden and fully cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken drippings. Stir frequently until softened and fragrant to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Build the sauce: Pour grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in plant-based cream and natural gelling agent, whisking continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine everything: Return cooked turkey bacon and chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and plant-based cheese. Toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly with the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce. Finish by stirring in fresh herbs and adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente for best texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Slice chicken thinly for quick and tender cooking.
- Simmer sauce gently to maintain creaminess and prevent separation.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon pasta, quick dinner, comforting meal, gluten free pasta dish
