Baked Penne Rigate with Chicken Breast and Mushrooms
Ingredients: -500g penne rigate -100g chicken breast -1 onion -200g canned mushrooms -1 stalk celery -1 piece red bell pepper -1 piece yellow bell pepper -5 tablespoons olive oil -80g cheese -200ml cooking cream -salt -pepper -2 bay leaves
To prepare a delicious recipe of chicken breast with mushrooms and pasta, we start by ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients at hand. We will use fresh chicken breast, mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, onion, celery, bay leaf, cooking cream, and of course, our favorite pasta. It is important to organize ourselves well so that we can cook efficiently and enjoyably.
The first step is to slice the chicken breast into thin pieces, making sure they are cut evenly for uniform cooking. In a large skillet, we heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil, which will add a pleasant flavor and a crispy texture to the meat. Once the oil is hot, we add the chicken slices and let them fry, turning them occasionally, to achieve a nice browning on all sides.
After a few minutes, when the chicken starts to turn golden, we add the sliced mushrooms. These will add a rich flavor to the dish. We sprinkle a little salt and pepper, mixing the ingredients well and letting them fry together for 2-3 minutes. During this time, we clean and slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips, preparing them to add a touch of sweetness and color.
Once the mushrooms have softened, we add the peppers to the skillet, continuing to stir. The next step is to chop the onion - not too finely, to keep its texture - and add it to the mixture in the skillet, along with the celery stalk, which will add a distinct taste. We add enough water to cover all the ingredients, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it boil.
After about 5 minutes, when all the ingredients have started to blend, we add the bay leaves. These will infuse the dish with an intense and pleasant aroma. We let it simmer until the water reduces and the flavors concentrate. When the liquid has decreased, we add 200 ml of cooking cream, mixing well to achieve a creamy sauce. We let it boil for another 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
While the sauce cools slightly, we bring water to a boil in another pot for the pasta. Once the water has started to boil, we add the pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions. When the pasta is cooked al dente, we drain it and place it in an insulated dish. Over the pasta, we pour the chicken and vegetable sauce, gently mixing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
For an extra flavor boost, we sprinkle grated cheese on top, which will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious crust. We put the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, until everything turns golden and appetizing. We serve it hot, alongside a fresh vegetable salad, which will add a crunchy note and perfectly complement this savory dish. Enjoy your meal!
