Pasta Con Pollo Recipe – a Creamy and Flavorful Chicken Pasta

March 25, 2025

Indulge in a delicious Pasta Con Pollo dish that's both creamy and flavorful. Start with high-quality chicken breasts for tender goodness. Choose penne or fettuccine to perfectly hold the decadent cream-based sauce. Enhance the richness with fresh basil and parsley while a sprinkle of thyme and oregano adds earthy depth. Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor, creating a satisfying balance with the pasta and chicken. For a nutritious twist, toss in your favorite vegetables. Cook pasta until al dente and sauté seasoned chicken until golden. Keen to complete your culinary journey? Let's explore each step for perfect execution.

Key Components for Flavorful Dish

essential ingredients for taste

Crafting a truly flavorful Pasta Con Pollo hinges on selecting the right ingredients and understanding their roles. Start with high-quality chicken breasts, as they're the star of the dish. Sauté them until golden brown, enhancing the natural flavors and ensuring tenderness.

Next, choose the right pasta. Go for penne or fettuccine, which hold the sauce beautifully. The pasta's texture matters, creating a harmonious bite with the chicken.

For the sauce, cream is essential. It brings richness and complements the chicken's savory taste. Don't skimp on the creaminess—it's what makes the dish indulgent.

  • Savor the juicy, perfectly-cooked chicken.
  • Enjoy the comforting creaminess that hugs each pasta piece.
  • Experience the delicate balance of textures and flavors.

Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor

When making Pasta Con Pollo, choosing fresh herbs can greatly elevate your dish's flavor profile.

You'll want to balance the herb flavors carefully to guarantee no single one overpowers the others.

Experiment with different herb infusion techniques to bring out the best in your ingredients and create a harmonious dish.

Selecting Fresh Herbs

To elevate your Pasta Con Pollo to a gourmet level, selecting the right fresh herbs is essential. Start with classic choices like basil and parsley, which bring vibrant color and a revitalizing taste.

When you're at the market, look for herbs with bright green leaves and no wilting or brown spots. Freshness is key, so trust your nose; a strong, pleasant aroma indicates quality.

Consider incorporating thyme or oregano for an earthy depth. These herbs complement the creamy sauce and chicken perfectly.

Keep in mind that herbs should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their flavor and aroma. By choosing the freshest herbs, you'll enhance the dish's overall taste, making every bite a delightful experience.

Balancing Herb Flavors

Selecting the freshest herbs is just the beginning; now, it's all about finding the right balance to enhance your Pasta Con Pollo. Too much of one herb can overpower the dish, while too little might leave it lacking.

Start with a base of basil and parsley, which complement the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Add a hint of oregano and thyme for depth, but be cautious; their strong flavors can easily dominate.

Consider your personal taste preferences and adjust accordingly. If you love a particular herb, go a bit heavier, but keep in mind the harmony of the dish.

Taste as you go, and remember that fresh herbs can always be added, but you can't take them away once they're in.

Herb Infusion Techniques

Infusing fresh herbs into your Pasta Con Pollo is a game-changer for elevating flavor. To start, select herbs that complement chicken, like basil, parsley, and thyme. Chop them finely to release their essential oils and maximize flavor.

As you cook, add the herbs at different stages. Toss some in with the chicken to infuse the meat, then sprinkle more into the sauce towards the end for a fresh burst.

When creating the sauce, consider using a simple technique: make a herb sachet. Wrap herbs in cheesecloth and let them simmer in the cream. This method guarantees a gentle, balanced infusion without overpowering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

guided procedure for completion

Pasta Con Pollo Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions****

Creating a delicious Pasta Con Pollo dish is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and pasta, resulting in a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

  • Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 pound of pasta (such as fettuccine or penne), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
  • Tools: Large pot, skillet, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups, and a colander.

Tip: Confirm all ingredients are pre-measured and prepared before starting to make the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  • Action: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Common Mistake: Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for al dente for the best results.

Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

  • Action: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
  • Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to confirm even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

  • Action: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Common Mistake: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir frequently.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

  • Action: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the cream from curdling.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

  • Action: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together with the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  • Common Mistake: Confirm the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce for even flavor distribution.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  • Action: Transfer the Pasta Con Pollo to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  • Tip: Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.

Gather Necessary Ingredients

To start your delicious Pasta Con Pollo, you'll need to gather all the essential ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.

First, grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, around 1 pound should do. You'll also need 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like penne or fettuccine.

Get 2 cups of heavy cream for that creamy sauce, and don't forget the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor.

Next, pick up 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves of garlic, minced, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Make sure to have salt and black pepper on hand for seasoning.

Finally, fresh basil leaves will add a fragrant finish. With these ingredients ready, you're set to create a delightful dish!

[DIRECTIONS]:

Sauté Chicken Until Golden

Once you've gathered your ingredients, begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

As the oil shimmers, add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. It's essential not to overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden crust.

Use tongs to flip the pieces, ensuring even browning on all sides. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown.

You're aiming for a juicy interior, so avoid overcooking. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping those flavorful brown bits in the pan for the next steps.

Calorie Content and Macronutrients

Understanding the calorie content and macronutrient breakdown of your pasta con pollo dish is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. This flavorful meal typically contains a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, each playing an essential role in your nutritional intake. Let's break it down:

Nutrient Approximate Amount
Calories 450 per serving
Protein 30g per serving
Carbohydrates 50g per serving

With 450 calories per serving, this pasta con pollo provides a hearty meal without overloading your calorie budget. The 30 grams of protein help with muscle repair and maintenance, while the 50 grams of carbohydrates give you energy for the day. Balancing these macronutrients will guarantee you enjoy this dish as part of a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Isn't it funny how the simplest ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary? By now, you've transformed everyday chicken and pasta into a creamy, flavorful dish that tantalizes your taste buds. With fresh herbs adding a burst of flavor and each step carefully followed, you've created a meal that's not only delicious but also nutritious. Who would've thought that a pinch of herbs and a dash of diligence could make such a delightful difference? Enjoy your creation!