Linguine with chicken and mozzarella

Linguine with chicken and mozzarella: A delicious recipe that delights the senses

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and colors! Today I will tell you about a recipe that will captivate you from the first bite: Linguine with chicken and mozzarella. This recipe perfectly combines the delicate texture of pasta with the juiciness of chicken and the creaminess of mozzarella, bringing a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you serve it at a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, each serving promises to be an explosion of flavors.

A brief history of the recipe

Pasta has a rich history, being a staple food in many cultures, but the combination with chicken and mozzarella emerged as a modern adaptation of traditional recipes. This recipe is a testament to culinary creativity, combining simple ingredients to create a refined and delicious dish.

Ingredients

- 250g linguine (about 1/2 bag from Molisana)
- 250g chicken breast (about 1/2 chicken breast)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 3-4 slices of mozzarella, diced
- 50g grated parmesan
- 1 cup of champagne or white wine
- Herbs: thyme, basil, hot pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Dried parsley, for garnish

Necessary tools

- A deep frying pan
- A pot for boiling pasta
- A food processor (optional)
- A spatula
- A knife and a cutting board

Step by step to achieve a perfect result

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 2 cm. If you have a food processor, you can use it to finely chop the onion, carrot, and tomatoes, saving time.

2. Sautéing the chicken
In a deep frying pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and 30g of butter. When the butter has melted, add the chicken cubes and sauté over medium heat until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the crushed garlic for extra flavor.

3. Adding the vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, add the onion, carrot, and tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and let the vegetables soften, about 5-10 minutes.

4. Seasoning and simmering
Add the seasonings: thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, then pour in a cup of water. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Check from time to time, adding water if needed.

5. Finishing the sauce
When the chicken is almost cooked, add the tablespoon of tomato paste and the champagne (or white wine) to the pan. These will give the sauce a special note and a sophisticated flavor. Finally, add the mozzarella cubes and a sprinkle of grated parmesan, stirring gently to incorporate them.

6. Boiling the pasta
In another pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. When the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for al dente). When ready, drain the pasta and rinse it with warm water to prevent sticking.

7. Mixing the pasta with the sauce
Add the drained pasta to the pan, mixing well to evenly coat it with the delicious sauce. Let it cook for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.

8. Serving
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated parmesan and dried parsley. Don’t forget to add a glass of champagne on the side for a truly special experience.

Useful tips

- Variations of ingredients: You can add vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to diversify the recipe. You can also replace mozzarella with feta or ricotta cheese for a different flavor.
- Perfect pasta: Make sure the water for the pasta is boiling well before adding the salt. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking.
- For a spicy note: If you like spicy dishes, add some chili flakes to the sauce.

Nutritional information

This Linguine with chicken and mozzarella recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in protein from the chicken and cheese, while the pasta provides the necessary carbohydrates for energy. Tomatoes and vegetables bring an important supply of vitamins and antioxidants. Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Of course! Whole wheat pasta is a healthy option, rich in fiber.

2. What can I use instead of champagne?
A dry white wine is an excellent choice, but you can also use water or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

3. How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to rehydrate them.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Linguine with chicken and mozzarella is a simple and quick recipe that will bring a smile to your face and delight your family and friends. Enjoy!