Description

Chicken Pasta Milano is a quick, creamy, and protein-packed pasta dish combining tender chicken breast, smoky turkey slices, and luscious plant-based cheese in a rich tomato-based sauce enhanced with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, it offers comforting Italian flavors with simple, versatile ingredients everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Pasta

1 cup diced chicken breast
4–5 slices smoked turkey slices
250g penne pasta or your favorite pasta

Cheese and Dairy Alternatives

1 cup creamy plant-based cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup tomato puree
3 garlic cloves, minced

Oils and Sauces

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Herbs and Seasonings

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Sauté the aromatics and chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Incorporate smoked turkey slices: Stir in chopped smoked turkey slices, allowing them to warm up and release their smoky flavors, mixing well with the chicken and garlic.
Build the sauce: Add fresh tomatoes or tomato puree to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar to enhance depth and acidity. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to meld all flavors.
Add creamy plant-based cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the creamy plant-based cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the tomato mixture to create a luscious sauce coating every component.
Combine pasta and garnish: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Finish by sprinkling fresh basil and parsley over the top for a bright, herbal kick before serving.

Notes

Mindful cooking time: Avoid overcooking pasta by testing early to maintain perfect bite texture.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and parsley dramatically brighten the dish just before serving.
Simmer sauce gently: Allow the tomato mixture to simmer slowly to deepen flavors without burning.
Layer flavors: Add apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) gradually, tasting as you go.
Choose the right pasta: Penne’s ridged shape helps hold thick sauces better for a balanced mouthfeel.

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: 6 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, Italian pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, creamy tomato sauce