Perfectly Balanced: A Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe

In a world where every meal can be an adventure, discovering the perfect balance between flavors is key. Today's recipe focuses on creating a simple yet satisfying Chicken Pasta that not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides you with essential nutrients.

Chicken Pasta, often referred to as "pasta con pollo," is a classic dish in many households. It’s a delightful fusion of fresh chicken and comforting pasta, enhanced by the richness of butter and cream. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a simple green salad for added freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) of your choice pasta (we recommend elbow macaroni)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula (optional garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Chopped parsley, for garnishing the dish

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Once it boils, add pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, slice the chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

3. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken strips to the pan and cook until golden brown. Ensure that all sides of the chicken are evenly cooked.
4. Add heavy cream into the mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly but not to a very thick consistency.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce

6. Once pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
7. Return drained pasta back into the pot and pour over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until each noodle strand is coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

8. If using spinach or arugula, stir it into the pasta along with a good sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add a pinch of chopped parsley for extra flavor.
9. Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm to ensure that all flavors meld together perfectly.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pasta dish takes mere minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice when you're in need of a quick yet satisfying meal. With its creamy sauce and tender pieces of chicken, this pasta can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily become a family favorite.

The cooking time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes from start to finish, yielding about 4 servings. This makes it perfect for casual dinners or even as part of a meal plan where you're looking for something simple yet delicious. Enjoy the comforting flavors and ease of preparation!