Pasta with chicken breast in sauce
Pasta with Chicken Breast in Sauce: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 4
If you're a pasta fan, you've come to the right place! This recipe for pasta with chicken breast in sauce is perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a tasty yet simple meal. Packed with flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites. Let's embark on making this dish that perfectly combines succulent chicken meat and al dente pasta in a generous and flavorful sauce.
A Bit of History
Pasta is a food with a rich history, consumed for centuries around the world. From simple sauces to complex combinations, pasta has adapted and evolved, becoming a versatile ingredient in many culinary cultures. This recipe blends classic influences with modernity, offering a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Necessary Ingredients
- 300 g chicken breast (cut into cubes)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- ½ bell pepper (sliced thinly or a whole smaller pepper)
- 2 fresh tomatoes (diced)
- 300 g pasta (I used rigatoni, but you can choose any type you prefer)
- 100 ml thick natural yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Spices: curry, basil, thyme, oregano (to preference)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Parmigiano (optional, for cheese lovers)
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. This will make your cooking easier. Cut the chicken breast into cubes, the onion into small pieces, and mince the garlic. The bell pepper and tomatoes can be diced.
2. Sauté the chicken breast: In a large skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and sauté until they turn golden and brown evenly, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them together for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.
4. Incorporate the tomatoes and bell pepper: Add the diced tomatoes and sliced bell pepper. Mix well, then season with salt, pepper, curry, basil, thyme, and oregano. Continue to cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
5. Add water: Cover the mixture with a cup of water and let it come to a boil. This step will help form a rich sauce. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Boil the pasta: In a separate pot, add water, salt, and a few drops of oil. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. If you prefer softer pasta, you can leave it a few extra minutes, but remember to check it regularly.
7. Form the sauce: When the chicken is ready, dissolve the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet. Mix well to form a creamy sauce. If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a little extra water.
8. Combine the pasta with the sauce: When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet over the chicken sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
9. Serve: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest under a lid for a few minutes. Serve the pasta topped with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle Parmigiano for an even more intense flavor.
Useful Tips
- Choose the pasta you like: Rigatoni offers a rustic look, but you can use spaghetti or penne, depending on your preferences.
- Fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, can enhance flavor and freshness.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to diversify the recipe. You can also use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is nutritionally balanced, providing protein from the chicken breast, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a good antioxidant for health, and natural yogurt adds a touch of creaminess and beneficial probiotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is an excellent choice for extra fiber and nutrients.
- How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add chili flakes or chili sauce for a more intense flavor.
- Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta with the sauce, but it's recommended to reheat it over low heat, adding a little water to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions
These pasta with chicken breast in sauce pair perfectly with a crunchy green salad and a glass of dry white wine. Additionally, fresh bread can be an ideal accompaniment to enjoy the delicious sauce.
I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and personalize it to your tastes. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a meal with friends, this pasta with chicken breast in sauce will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: a chicken breast, about 300 g an onion 2 cloves of garlic half a bell pepper (these are huge here... but if they are smaller, one whole is fine) 2 fresh tomatoes 100 ml thick natural yogurt salt, pepper, curry, basil, thyme, oregano, parsley 1 tsp starch pasta, about 300 g (I used rigatoni this time) optional parmesan (this recipe doesn't normally call for it, but for enthusiasts... like me, for example... it works)
