🍝 Angel Hair Pasta With Herbed Chicken 🍗
Angel Hair Pasta with Herbed Chicken is a delightful and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender, herbed chicken with delicate angel hair pasta. It’s a popular pasta dish known for its lightness and aromatic qualities.
📜 History:
The history of this dish can be traced back to Italy, where pasta has been a staple for centuries. Angel hair pasta, also known as “capellini,” is one of the thinnest and most delicate pasta varieties. The combination of tender chicken and aromatic herbs likely evolved from traditional Italian cooking techniques, which often emphasize fresh ingredients and simple but delicious flavors.
🍽️ Components:
- Angel Hair Pasta: This pasta is very thin and cooks quickly, making it a perfect match for the tender chicken and herbed sauce.
- Herbed Chicken: Chicken breasts are typically used in this dish. They are seasoned with a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
- Herbed Tomato Sauce: A tomato-based sauce is infused with garlic, onions, and the same herbs used for the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is often sprinkled on top for added flavor.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a generous amount of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually just a few minutes). Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Herbed Tomato Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add chopped garlic and onions. Sauté until they become translucent.
- Pour in canned crushed tomatoes and add the same herbs used for seasoning the chicken.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Slice the cooked herbed chicken into thin strips.
- Toss the cooked angel hair pasta with the herbed tomato sauce and top it with the sliced chicken.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
⏰ Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Angel Hair Pasta with Herbed Chicken typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and experience.
This delicious dish brings together the delicate texture of angel hair pasta, the aromatic flavors of herbed chicken, and the savory tomato sauce for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Enjoy! 🍽️🇮🇹
Certainly, here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for Angel Hair Pasta with Herbed Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Total Fat: 12-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-70 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.
Health Information:
- Protein: The herbed chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- Carbohydrates: The angel hair pasta supplies energy through carbohydrates, but it’s a refined carbohydrate, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Fiber: While the dish contains some fiber from the pasta and tomato sauce, consider adding more vegetables to increase the fiber content, which aids in digestion.
- Fat: Olive oil used for sautéing and the Parmesan cheese contribute to the dish’s fat content. Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, but portion control is important.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on how the dish is seasoned. Consider using herbs and spices to flavor the dish instead of excessive salt.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains vitamins and minerals, especially if you incorporate fresh herbs, garlic, and onions. These ingredients provide antioxidants and other health benefits.
As with any recipe, moderation and balance are key. You can make this dish healthier by using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more vegetables to boost its nutritional value. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded diet for a delicious and satisfying meal.
