Chicken fillet with green beans and tagliatelle with spinach

Chicken fillet with green beans and spinach tagliatelle - A delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a tasty meal, full of nutrients and colors? Chicken fillet with green beans and spinach tagliatelle is a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying dinner. This simple recipe combines lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and healthy pasta, offering excellent flavor and an appealing look on the plate. Let's venture into cooking!

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken fillet
- 100 ml olive oil
- 500 g green beans
- 2 yellow onions
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 250 g spinach tagliatelle

Brief history of the recipe

This recipe is a perfect example of seasonal food, combining simple ingredients to create a delicious dish. The origins of the combination of chicken and vegetables are ancient, being part of a culinary tradition that emphasizes the use of fresh, locally available ingredients. Spinach pasta adds a splash of color and nutrients, making it a popular choice in many culinary cultures.

Cooking technique

1. Preparing the chicken fillet: Start by cutting the chicken fillet into equal pieces to ensure even cooking. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 50 ml of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and fry them on each side for 5-7 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. There is no need to add spices, as we want to keep the pure taste of the chicken.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, peel and chop the onion, bell pepper, and carrots into small pieces. In another pan, add the remaining olive oil and a little water to help with cooking. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes, then add the bell pepper and carrot. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Green beans: Prepare the green beans by trimming the ends and breaking them into 3-4 cm pieces. Add them to the pan with the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt, sweet paprika, and chopped dill. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and let them simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.

4. Boiling the pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and add the spinach tagliatelle according to the package instructions. Usually, they are boiled for 3-5 minutes, but it’s good to check for the desired consistency. Once cooked, drain them and add them to the pan with the vegetables and cooked chicken, gently mixing to combine all the ingredients.

5. Plating: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh dill and, if desired, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. A seasonal salad can perfectly complement this meal, adding a note of freshness.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Opt for organic or free-range chicken if possible, for better taste and superior nutrition. Fresh vegetables are essential for a tasty dish.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to turn this recipe into a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken fillet with tofu or oyster mushrooms, which have a similar texture.
- Delicious additions: You can add some cherry tomato slices or black olives for extra flavor and a more attractive visual aspect.
- Perfect pasta: Make sure not to overcook the pasta, so they remain al dente. This will give them a pleasant texture and prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can replace the tagliatelle with any other type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or in a pan to warm them up.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe is rich in proteins, fibers, and vitamins due to the fresh ingredients used. Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, while chicken provides lean protein.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices to complement this meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe serves approximately 4 portions, each portion having about 450-500 calories. It is a balanced meal, full of essential nutrients, with a low content of saturated fats. The chicken provides quality protein, while the green beans offer a generous supply of fiber and vitamins.

Personal note

I love to serve this dish alongside a simple salad of tomatoes and cucumbers with a lemon vinaigrette, which adds a note of freshness and flavor balance. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for enjoying with family and friends.

So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every step of this delicious recipe! Bon appétit!