Straccetti di Pollo alla Sorrentina: A Flavorful Italian Delight
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Straccetti di Pollo alla Sorrentina is a delicious Italian dish that combines tender chicken strips, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This flavorful recipe, which hails from the beautiful Amalfi Coast, is perfect for any occasion, bringing a taste of Italy straight to your table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (Petto di pollo) | 500g |
| Tomato passata (Passata di pomodoro) | 300g |
| Mozzarella | 100g |
| Shallot (Scalogno) | 1 |
| Fresh basil (Basilico) | 4 leaves |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | to taste |
| Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano DOP) | 20g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | to taste |
| Salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Black pepper (Pepe nero) | to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
Begin by preparing the savory tomato sauce. Peel and finely chop the shallot. In a medium-sized pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Pour in a small amount of water (about a ladleful) to create a light broth. Cover the pan and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and soften the shallot. -
Prepare the Chicken Strips:
While the sauce is simmering, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips (straccetti). Place a small amount of flour on a plate and dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, ensuring they are lightly coated. This will help the chicken develop a crisp exterior during cooking. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips in batches, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and crisp. Turn the pieces frequently to avoid burning. Once all the chicken is browned, season with salt and remove the pan from the heat. -
Combine the Chicken with the Tomato Sauce:
Return the chicken to the pan with the tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat the strips in the sauce. Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for another 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and tender. -
Add the Mozzarella and Basil:
Cube the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle it over the chicken and tomato mixture. Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces and scatter them over the top. Season with freshly cracked black pepper for an added burst of flavor. Finally, dust the dish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a delicious crust. -
Grill to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 240°C (464°F) and set it to grill mode. Once the oven is hot, transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 8-10 minutes. This will melt the mozzarella and allow the cheese to become beautifully stringy. Keep an eye on it to ensure that the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. -
Serve:
Remove the pan from the oven and serve the Straccetti di Pollo alla Sorrentina while it’s still hot. The tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce will create an irresistible combination that’s perfect when served with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple salad. Enjoy this Italian classic with friends and family!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Calcium | 150mg |
Tips for a Perfect Straccetti di Pollo alla Sorrentina
- Mozzarella: For the best results, use fresh mozzarella. It has a higher moisture content, making it melt beautifully over the chicken.
- Tomato Passata: If you can’t find tomato passata, you can substitute it with crushed canned tomatoes, but make sure to simmer the sauce for a bit longer to thicken it.
- Grilling: Be careful not to overcook the mozzarella while grilling. The goal is to achieve a soft, gooey texture, not a crispy top.
- Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a slight kick.
Straccetti di Pollo alla Sorrentina is a perfect dish for those who want to bring a bit of Italian flavor to their dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe combines the classic flavors of Italy, transforming simple chicken into a decadent meal. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the harmonious blend of savory chicken, rich tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella—an Italian comfort food at its finest.
