pasta with smoked meat and pink sauce

Penne with Smoked Meat and Pink Sauce - A Savory and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked meat with a creamy and delicious sauce? This recipe for penne with smoked meat and pink sauce is perfect for a quick yet sophisticated dinner that is sure to impress family and friends. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 300 g penne (or other preferred pasta)
- 100 g smoked kaiser, diced
- 200 g chicken breast, cubed
- 150 g sour cream
- 50 g tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- 30 g grated parmesan
- 30 g grated cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced or crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying

Recipe Story

Pasta with pink sauce is a delicious combination that has gained popularity due to the savory mix of creamy and smoky ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want to indulge in a comforting dish that doesn't require too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you can adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredient Details

- Penne: These short pasta tubes are excellent for holding onto the sauce. You can also use rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer.
- Smoked kaiser: This meat adds an intense flavor and smoky aroma, perfect for enriching the dish. You can substitute with bacon or ham if you don't have kaiser.
- Chicken breast: A lean source of protein that will add juiciness. Make sure not to overcook it to avoid it becoming dry.
- Sour cream: This is the base of our creamy sauce. You can use cooking cream or even Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Tomato paste: Adds a note of acidity and a rich flavor. You can also use fresh or canned tomatoes.
- Cheese and parmesan: These cheeses add depth of flavor and a delicious texture to the sauce.

Cooking Steps

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and then the penne. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water for the sauce.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and crushed garlic over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the diced smoked kaiser and chicken breast. Fry everything for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned.
3. Make the pink sauce: In a bowl, mix the sour cream, tomato paste, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little reserved pasta water if it's too thick.
4. Final combination: Add the drained pasta to the skillet over the meat and onion mixture. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, add the grated parmesan and mix again.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and let it bake for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
6. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can sprinkle more parmesan or fresh herbs, such as parsley, for an attractive presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe for penne with smoked meat and pink sauce pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine will complement your meals harmoniously. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can squeeze lemon juice over the dish before serving.

Variations and Practical Tips

- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with wild mushrooms or various vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant.
- If you like spices, add a little chili pepper or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- For an even richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce mixture, achieving an even creamier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, any type of short pasta works well. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.
- What can I do with leftovers? You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for the next day. They reheat very well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Is this recipe healthy? It provides a good combination of protein and carbohydrates, but you can reduce the sour cream and cheese for a lighter version.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of this recipe has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and meat used. This meal provides essential proteins from the meat, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta, making it an excellent choice for a comforting dinner.

Try this recipe for penne with smoked meat and pink sauce and enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g penne, 100 g smoked kaiser, 200 g chicken breast, 150 g sour cream, 50 g broth, 30 g parmesan, 30 g cheese, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper.