Chinese chicken with pasta and chestnuts

Chinese chicken with pasta and chestnuts - a delicious recipe, full of flavors and textures, that will transform any ordinary meal into a memorable feast. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and the combination of succulent chicken, crunchy vegetables, and delicate pasta will surely delight your taste buds. Let's begin the culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 350 g spiral pasta (I recommend Arnos spirals)
- 400 g chicken breast
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 25 ml brandy
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 150 g roasted and peeled chestnuts
- 200 g porcini or other mushrooms
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 100 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 green bell pepper
- 6-8 pieces of red peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon flax seeds
- olive oil
- salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Wash the chicken breast well and cut it into long strips. This step is essential to ensure even marinating and to achieve juicy meat. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and add the soy sauce, brandy, honey, star anise, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, flax seeds, and peppercorns. Mix well, cover the bowl, and let it marinate for 15 minutes. Marinating will not only enhance the flavor but also help tenderize the meat.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. When the oil starts to sizzle, add the grated ginger, chopped bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft but still crunchy.

3. Adding the mushrooms:
Slice the mushrooms (porcini or other types) thickly and add them to the skillet. Continue to sauté the vegetables along with the mushrooms for another 2 minutes until they start to release their juices. Then, add the roasted chestnuts and halved cherry tomatoes. Let the mixture cook for one minute, then remove the skillet from the heat.

4. Cooking the chicken:
In another skillet, heat the marinated chicken strips over medium heat. Make sure to turn them over to achieve an even golden crust. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it over the vegetables in the first skillet. Add the remaining marinade, the sprig of thyme, and cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is well infused. Check the taste and add salt if necessary.

5. Cooking the pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

6. Assembling the dish:
Mix the pasta with the Chinese chicken and the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Ensure that each chicken strip and each piece of vegetable is well coated in sauce. Serve the dish hot, seasoned with flax seeds and cumin for added texture and flavor.

Practical tips:

- Marinating the chicken: Marinating is an essential step in this recipe as it helps tenderize the meat and gives it a deep flavor. If you have time, you can let the chicken marinate even longer, even overnight.
- Pasta: Choose high-quality pasta, such as those made from durum wheat, for a better texture.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with various vegetables depending on the season, such as carrots or zucchini. These will add even more color and vitamins to your dish.

Delicious combinations:
This Chinese chicken with pasta and chestnuts pairs wonderfully with a fresh summer salad or a vegetable soup. For an even richer culinary experience, you can serve the dish alongside a refreshing drink, such as jasmine tea or a dry white wine.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein from the chicken, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and provides healthy carbohydrates from the pasta. The chestnuts add fiber and healthy fats, making this dish a nutritious and balanced choice.

Possible variations:
- Vegetarian: You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, add chili flakes or chili sauce to the marinade.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as tagliatelle or fettuccine.

2. What can I do if I don't have soy sauce?
You can use teriyaki sauce or fish sauce as an alternative, but the taste will be different.

3. How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet, adding a little water to prevent drying out.

This Chinese chicken with pasta and chestnuts recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and delight your senses with its aromas! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: -350 g spiral pasta (I used Arnos spirals) -400 g chicken breast -4 tablespoons soy sauce -25 ml brandy -2 tablespoons honey -1 star anise -1 cinnamon stick -1/2 teaspoon grated ginger -150 g roasted and peeled chestnuts -200 g porcini or other mushrooms -1 bunch of green onions -100 g cherry tomatoes -1 sprig of thyme -1 green pepper -6-8 red peppercorns -1/4 teaspoon cumin -1/4 teaspoon flax seeds -oil -salt, if needed