Tagliatelle with spinach and grilled chicken breast

Tagliatelle with spinach and roasted chicken - A flavorful spring recipe

Spring brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a perfect opportunity to enjoy seasonal ingredients. And when it comes to fresh ingredients, spinach is definitely one of the stars of this season. With a slightly bitter taste and delicate texture, spinach is perfect for combining with pasta, especially tagliatelle. In this recipe, we will learn how to prepare a culinary delight: tagliatelle with spinach and roasted chicken. It is a dish that not only delights the taste buds but is also easy to make, making it ideal for a quick family dinner.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400-500 g tagliatelle (approximately 4-5 servings)
- 1/2 boneless chicken breast (approximately 200 g)
- 200 g fresh spinach leaves
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh cheese (optional, homemade)
- 300 g grated cheese
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 50 g butter
- 3 eggs
- Salt, to taste

History and nutritional benefits:
Spinach, originating from Persia, quickly conquered kitchens around the world due to its impressive nutritional values. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It is a superfood, having a low caloric content, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. When combined with the proteins from the chicken breast and the carbohydrates from the tagliatelle, it transforms into a complete and satisfying meal.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt, which will help enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water starts boiling, add the tagliatelle and cook for about 3 minutes until al dente. This step is crucial as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain them and immediately mix with 25 g of butter to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the chicken breast:
Take the chicken breast and wash it well. Let it dry, then cut it into thin strips. This will help with even and quick cooking. Sprinkle salt on the chicken strips and cook them in a heated pan with a little oil or butter until golden on both sides. This will add an irresistible flavor to your dish.

3. Assembling the dish:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a greased baking dish, add half of the tagliatelle. This will form the delicious base of the dish. Then, add the fresh cheese (if using) and sprinkle some of the grated cheese.

4. Adding spinach and chicken:
Lay a generous layer of fresh spinach leaves, followed by the remaining grated cheese and the roasted chicken strips. The spinach will release its juices during baking, enriching the flavor of the dish. Then add the remaining tagliatelle, followed by the leftover spinach leaves and another layer of cheese.

5. Preparing the egg mixture:
In a bowl, beat the 3 eggs with the sour cream until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the dish, making sure everything is evenly covered. This step will add a creamy texture to your dish.

6. Baking:
Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and slightly crispy. At the end, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

7. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Practical tips:
- If you don't have fresh cheese, you can use ricotta or telemea, which will add an interesting flavor note.
- Substitute the chicken breast with turkey for a lighter option or with tofu for a vegetarian choice.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or red bell pepper, to vary the dish.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent option, providing more fiber and nutrients.

2. How can I store the dish?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using vegan pasta, tofu instead of chicken, and soy sour cream.

These tagliatelle with spinach and roasted chicken are not only an explosion of flavors but also a versatile recipe, perfect for spring meals. Enjoy every bite and savor the freshness of seasonal ingredients! Bon appétit!