Angel Hair Pasta With Basil-Tomato Sauce (And Chicken)

🍝 Angel Hair Pasta With Basil-Tomato Sauce (And Chicken) 🍗

History:
Angel Hair Pasta with Basil-Tomato Sauce is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines the delicate flavors of angel hair pasta with the freshness of basil-tomato sauce, often accompanied by chicken for added protein. Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich history, and pasta dishes like this have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of pasta and tomato-based sauces has deep roots in Italy, with tomatoes being introduced to the country in the 16th century.

Components:

1. Angel Hair Pasta: Angel hair pasta is an ultra-thin, delicate pasta variety. It’s often chosen for its light and tender texture, perfect for pairing with light sauces.

2. Basil-Tomato Sauce: The heart of this dish is the basil-tomato sauce. It typically includes ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes additional herbs and spices for flavor.

3. Chicken (optional): To make this dish heartier and more substantial, you can add chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used. Seasoned and cooked to perfection, chicken adds protein and flavor.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Gather your angel hair pasta, fresh basil leaves, ripe tomatoes, garlic cloves, olive oil, chicken (if using), and any additional seasonings you prefer, like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Basil-Tomato Sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Dice the ripe tomatoes and add them to the pan. Cook until they start to break down and release their juices.
   • Tear fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

4. Prepare the Chicken (Optional):

   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Heat another pan or grill and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center and has a nice sear on the outside. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken.

5. Combine:

   • If you’re including chicken, slice it into thin strips.
   • Toss the cooked pasta with the basil-tomato sauce in a large bowl.
   • Top with chicken strips if desired.

6. Serve:

   • Plate the dish, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for extra flavor.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20-30 minutes (including chicken)
• Total: Approximately 35-45 minutes

Enjoy your delicious Angel Hair Pasta With Basil-Tomato Sauce (And Chicken)! 🍽️👌

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Hair Pasta with Basil-Tomato Sauce (including chicken):

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories (without chicken), 500-600 calories (with chicken)
• Carbohydrates: 70-80 grams (without chicken), 70-80 grams (with chicken)
• Protein: 8-10 grams (without chicken), 30-40 grams (with chicken)
• Fat: 3-5 grams (without chicken), 10-15 grams (with chicken)
• Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Sugars: 4-6 grams
• Sodium: 300-400 milligrams (varies with seasoning)
• Vitamin C: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
• Vitamin A: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
• Iron: 10-15% of daily recommended intake

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: This dish is relatively moderate in calories, but the addition of chicken significantly increases the protein content.

2. Carbohydrates: Pasta is a significant source of carbohydrates. Opt for whole wheat pasta if you prefer a higher fiber content.

3. Protein: Including chicken in the dish boosts its protein content, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.

4. Low in Fat: The dish is generally low in fat, especially if you use lean chicken cuts and limit the use of added fats.

5. Fiber: While the pasta itself doesn’t provide much fiber, the basil-tomato sauce adds some fiber from the tomatoes and basil leaves.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains notable amounts of vitamins C and A from the tomatoes and basil. Additionally, it provides some iron, which is essential for healthy blood.

7. Sodium: Be mindful of sodium intake, especially if you add salt during cooking or use high-sodium seasonings.

8. Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of oil, and choosing skinless, boneless chicken breasts for lower fat content.

9. Balanced Meal: The combination of pasta, chicken, and tomato sauce offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins, making it a well-rounded meal.

10. Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to manage calorie intake and maintain a balanced diet.

Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good practice to check the labels on the products you use for precise nutritional information.