Fusilli with chicken breast

Name: Fusilli with chicken breast - Ariana N.
Ingredients: 250 g pasta (fusilli) one boneless chicken breast (small) 300 ml sour cream 200 g cheese 2 large eggs 5; 6 tomatoes one red bell pepper 4 green onions salt and pepper to taste a pinch of nutmeg

Pasta/Pizza - Fusilli with chicken breast by Ariana N. - Recipia

Every time I want to prepare something quick yet filling, without spending too much time thinking, I choose pasta with chicken breast, vegetables, and cream baked in the oven. It's the kind of recipe I make when I have some good tomatoes and leftover vegetables in the fridge, and the chicken breast is already there, ready to be cut. The fact that everything gets browned in the oven at the end greatly helps with the texture, without needing too much hassle. Quick Info Total Time: about 50 minutes Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking and Baking: 30 minutes (together) Servings: 4 Difficulty: easy Recipe Type: lunch or dinner, suitable for family or when you want something hearty and uncomplicated Ingredients 250 g fusilli pasta 1 small boneless chicken breast 300 ml cream 200 g cheese 2 large eggs 5-6 tomatoes 1 red bell pepper 4 green onions salt and pepper, to taste a pinch of nutmeg 4-5 tablespoons oil (for frying) Preparation Method 1. Boil 1 liter of salted water to taste. When the water boils, add the pasta and let it cook for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain and quickly rinse under cold water. Let them drain well in a colander. 2. While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into thin strips. Heat the oil in a pan and brown the chicken strips over medium heat until they get a little color. Don't cook them too long to avoid drying them out. 3. Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped green onions. Sauté everything together for another two minutes, just enough for the vegetables to soften slightly. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pan with a slotted spatula, allowing the oil to drain back into the pan. The chicken and vegetables should be lightly drained of excess oil. 4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, then add the grated cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. 5. Add the drained pasta and mix well. Also, add the sautéed chicken and vegetables, homogenizing the mixture. 6. Transfer everything to a heat-resistant dish. There's no need to grease it. Place the sliced tomatoes on top. If you have time and desire, you can bake the tomatoes beforehand on a tray for extra flavor, but it's not mandatory. 7. Put the dish in the oven (preheated to 180°C) and leave it until the pasta browns nicely on top. Depending on the oven, this may take 25-30 minutes. 8. Serve hot, directly from the dish. Why I Make This Recipe Often This recipe is one of those I return to when I need something filling, with readily available ingredients and without complicated steps. I don't spend much time in the kitchen, and the result is quite satisfying. It's also suitable for days when you have guests and don't want to cook in two shifts. Tips and Variations Tips Drain the pasta right after rinsing it with cold water, to prevent it from becoming mushy and absorbing excess water in the dish. If you have very juicy tomatoes, you can let them drain for a few minutes before placing them on top. Don't over-fry the chicken breast; otherwise, it will become dry. It’s enough for it to be white and slightly browned at the edges. Substitutions You can use penne or another type of short pasta if you don't have fusilli. Green onions can be replaced with regular onions, cut into julienne, but the taste will be slightly sweeter. The cheese can be substituted with a mix of cheeses that melt well (edam, mozzarella, trappist). Variations You can add a few sliced mushrooms quickly sautéed if you have some in the fridge. For extra flavor, a little grated parmesan can be sprinkled on top right after taking the dish out of the oven. Tomatoes can be omitted or used only raw, without baking them beforehand. Serving Ideas The pasta goes well with a simple green salad. If there are leftovers, it can be sliced after cooling and packed. It also works with a little yogurt sauce for those who prefer something cooler on the side. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use cooked chicken breast? Yes, if you have previously cooked chicken breast (grilled or baked), you can chop it and add it directly without frying it in oil again. Do I need to bake the tomatoes beforehand, or can I put them raw? Tomatoes can be put raw, but if you bake them beforehand in the oven or on a tray, they will have a sweeter and more intense flavor. It’s not mandatory, just optional. If I don’t have cheese, can I use another type of cheese? You can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or gouda. Feta cheese won’t work as well for texture and taste. Do the pasta need to be rinsed with cold water? Yes, for this recipe, it helps to rinse them to keep them firm and prevent sticking, especially if you’re not using them immediately. Can I make the recipe without eggs? The texture won’t be as bound, but you can leave the eggs aside if you want. The mixture will be less bound, resembling more of a pasta gratin. Nutritional Values Estimate for one serving (out of 4): Calories: approximately 550-600 kcal Protein: 32-34 g Carbohydrates: 45-50 g Fats: 27-30 g These are approximate values and can vary depending on the type of cheese, cream, and how much oil drains at the end. It is a quite hearty recipe, good for a main meal. Storage and Reheating Pasta with chicken and cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in a covered container. When you want to reheat it, it’s better to use the oven to avoid it becoming too soft (microwaves can make the mixture watery). I do not recommend freezing, as the pasta changes texture and does not taste as good upon thawing. The recipe remains one of the most practical for days when you want something cooked at home, but without complicating yourself with many pots or steps. It adapts easily and doesn’t require expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.

Fusilli with chicken breast

Tags

Categories