Chicken and Sauce Spirals

Recipe for Chicken Spiral Pasta with Sauce: A Delicious Culinary Experience

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! Today, we will explore a delicious recipe together, perfect for a quick and hearty dinner: chicken spiral pasta with sauce. This recipe is not only simple and accessible but also extremely versatile, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. I will guide you step by step, providing helpful tips and information about the ingredients so that you achieve a perfect result every time.

The history of this chicken spiral pasta is fascinating, as pasta dishes have inspired kitchens around the world. They are appreciated not only for their texture but also for their ability to absorb flavors from sauces. Today, we will combine spiral pasta with juicy chicken and a rich sauce to create a dish that will delight family and friends.

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken thighs
- 200 g spiral pasta
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning
- Pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons oil for greasing the baking dish (optional)
- 50 g grated cheese (optional, for serving)
- Pickled peppers for serving

Preparation:

Step 1: Boiling the chicken thighs
In a large pot, add the chicken thighs along with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, letting them simmer for 20-30 minutes. It’s important to check the water level and add more if necessary, ensuring the thighs are always covered. This process will ensure tender and juicy meat.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce
Once the chicken thighs are done, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, in the same water where the chicken was boiled, add the tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, chicken seasoning, pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

Step 3: Cooking the pasta
Put another pot of salted water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the spiral pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes. Make sure the pasta is al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Preparing the meat
Once the chicken thighs have cooled, remove the meat from the bones and chop it finely. This step is essential as the chopped meat will blend perfectly with the pasta and sauce, providing a uniform and delicious texture.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the chicken and the prepared sauce. Mix well so that the pasta absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce and meat. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Baking (optional)
If you want to add a touch of crispiness to the dish, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes. This will create a delicious golden crust on top.

Serving:
When serving, sprinkle grated cheese over each portion for added flavor. This chicken spiral pasta pairs perfectly with pickled peppers, which add a pleasant contrast and a touch of freshness.

Practical tips:

1. Ingredients: Choose bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but if you prefer, you can use chicken breast. Fresh garlic is essential for a flavorful sauce, so don’t skip it.

2. Seasonings: Experiment with seasonings! You can add basil or thyme to customize the sauce to your taste.

3. Variations: Instead of spiral pasta, try penne or farfalle for a different texture. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients.

4. Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it perfect for leftovers.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g

This chicken spiral pasta recipe is not just a tasty choice but also a great way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether you serve it at a casual dinner or a special lunch, you will surely be appreciated for the delight you’ve created. So let’s get cooking and enjoy every bite!