Italian Chicken and Pasta Recipe 🍝
Overview:
This delightful Italian Chicken and Pasta dish is a creation born out of creativity and simplicity, perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can whip up a flavorful meal that will impress your taste buds. The creamy sauce complements tender chicken pieces and al dente pasta, making every bite a culinary delight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 465.5
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken pieces
- 1 onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- Optional: hot sauce for an extra kick
Instructions:
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Saute Onion and Garlic: Begin by heating some vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat. Saute the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they turn golden brown and fragrant, infusing the oil with their savory flavors.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking. Allow them to brown lightly on both sides, locking in their juices and developing a delicious golden crust.
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Simmer with Tomatoes: Once the chicken is lightly browned, it’s time to add the star ingredients. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, along with the water. These rich and tangy tomato products will form the base of our sauce, infusing the chicken with their robust flavors.
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Seasoning: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and thyme, adding layers of aromatic goodness to the dish. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more garlic powder or herbs if desired.
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Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let the ingredients meld together and simmer for approximately 1 hour, allowing the flavors to intensify and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
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Add Margarine and Hot Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, create a creamy finish by adding the margarine to the skillet. For those who crave a bit of heat, drizzle in some hot sauce, stirring well to incorporate.
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Final Simmer: Gently move the chicken pieces to one side of the skillet, allowing the sauce to mingle with the margarine and hot sauce. Let the dish simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the sauce to reach its creamy perfection.
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Serve: It’s time to plate up this delectable dish! Serve the creamy sauce generously over hot cooked noodles of your choice, creating a tantalizing bed for the succulent chicken pieces. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 465.5
- Total Fat: 16.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 63.8mg
- Sodium: 819.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 68.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.3g
- Sugar: 9.1g
- Protein: 12.8g
Serving Tips:
- Pair this Italian Chicken and Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to mop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
- Customize the dish to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added color and nutrition.
Conclusion:
With its simplicity and versatility, this Italian Chicken and Pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its robust flavors and creamy texture. So grab your skillet and get ready to savor the taste of Italy in every bite! 🇮🇹