Pasta with chicken in oven sauce

Pasta with Chicken in Oven Sauce

Cooking is an art filled with joy, and the recipe for pasta with chicken in oven sauce is a perfect choice to bring warmth and flavor to your meals. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the tenderness of chicken with the rich flavors of vegetables and sauce, offering a dish that satisfies even the most discerning tastes. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 boneless chicken breast (approx. 300-400 g)
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 bell pepper (approx. 100 g)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 150 g spiral pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 150 g freshly grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe history:
Recipes for pasta with meat and vegetable sauce have a rich history, being an integral part of traditional cooking. It is said that these dishes were invented out of the necessity to use available ingredients in a tasty and nutritious way. The combination of pasta with chicken and vegetables is not only delicious but also an excellent way to obtain a varied nutritional intake.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. After washing, you can pat it dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water. Cut it first into long strips, then into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm, to ensure even cooking.

2. Browning the chicken:
In a deep skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat well. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden. This step is essential for adding an intense flavor and pleasant texture to the dish.

3. Adding the vegetables:
Meanwhile, peel the tomatoes (you can use a quick blanching method to remove the skin more easily) and cut them into cubes. Cut the bell pepper into suitable pieces and peel the carrot, then slice it into rounds. Once the chicken is browned, add the prepared vegetables on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Preparing the sauce:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken and vegetables cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is almost done (three-quarters cooked). After this time, add the tomato paste and stir gently. Let it cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

5. Boiling the pasta:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the spiral pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes. It is important not to overcook them to avoid stickiness. After cooking, drain them well.

6. Mixing the pasta with the sauce:
Mix the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce in the skillet, ensuring that each piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. This is the stage where the dish will begin to achieve a wonderful consistency.

7. Assembling in the baking dish:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with a teaspoon of butter to prevent sticking. Place half of the pasta in the dish, followed by a layer of grated parmesan. Add the remaining pasta and sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top.

8. Baking:
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to help retain moisture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. At the end, remove the lid and let the dish bake for another 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

9. Serving:
Once the pasta is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can add some fresh basil or parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a glass of chilled white wine.

Practical tips:

- If you want a healthier version, you can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
- Instead of chicken breast, you can also try boneless thighs, which will add more flavor to the dish.
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to diversify the recipe.
- This recipe can also be prepared in advance; you can assemble everything and place it in the oven later.

Nutritional benefits:
Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. Vegetables add essential vitamins and fiber, making this dish a balanced and nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions:

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

2. How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or oven.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using tofu or vegetables instead of chicken and vegan parmesan to make it suitable for vegans.

I hope this recipe for pasta with chicken in oven sauce seems engaging and easy to follow! Now it’s time to put the described steps into practice and enjoy a delicious dish that will bring smiles to your table. Bon appétit!