Penne with chicken breast in tomato garlic sauce

Pasta with chicken breast in garlic tomato sauce is a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for a quick and filling dinner. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the velvety texture of pasta with the juiciness of chicken and the intense aroma of tomato sauce. I invite you to discover each step of this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the flavors!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 50 g penne pasta
- 500 ml water for boiling the pasta
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g chicken breast
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon liquid lard (or olive oil)
- 150 g canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Dried herbs (oregano, basil, marjoram)
- 200 ml water
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 sprigs of fresh parsley

A brief history of the recipe:

Pasta is a staple food in many culinary cultures, associated with the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. This recipe combines simple yet characterful ingredients into a dish that brings the family together at the table. The tomato sauce has deep roots in culinary traditions, used for centuries to enhance the flavor of meat and pasta dishes.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boil the pasta:
Start by bringing 500 ml of water to a boil in a pot. Add a pinch of salt to intensify the flavor of the pasta. When the water starts to boil, add 50 g of penne pasta. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 9 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat, drain, and rinse with warm water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the chicken breast:
Meanwhile, cut 100 g of chicken breast into small cubes. Wash the chicken cubes and season with salt. In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of liquid lard (or olive oil) and heat over medium heat. Once the lard is hot, add the chicken cubes and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the meat fry for about 5 minutes until golden.

3. Add water and tomato sauce:
After the chicken is browned, add 100 ml of water to the skillet. This helps cook the meat evenly and infuse flavors. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: take 150 g of canned diced tomatoes and puree them using a fruit strainer or a blender to obtain a smooth sauce. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and the dried herbs (oregano, basil, and marjoram). Add another 100 ml of water, cover the skillet again, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.

4. Add garlic and parsley:
Peel the 3 cloves of garlic, wash them, and crush them. After the sauce has cooled slightly, stir in the crushed garlic to release its aroma. Also add 1/2 of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving the rest for garnish.

5. Assemble the dish:
Once the pasta is ready, drain it and place it on a plate. Pour the chicken tomato garlic sauce over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Helpful tips:

- Choose fresh ingredients: Using quality ingredients can make a big difference in the final taste of the dish. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use them instead of canned ones for an even more flavorful sauce.
- For a stronger taste: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, which pair wonderfully with tomato sauce.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the skillet along with the chicken breast for a nutrient-rich dish.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthy and delicious option that will add more fiber to the dish.

- How can I make the tomato sauce spicier?
Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes to the sauce, to taste.

- What drinks pair well with this recipe?
A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade can perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Nutritional benefits:

This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and contains complex carbohydrates from the pasta, providing long-lasting energy. Tomatoes are excellent sources of antioxidants, and garlic has antimicrobial properties and benefits for the immune system.

I encourage you to try this pasta recipe with chicken breast in garlic tomato sauce, explore variations, and adapt it to your tastes. Every meal becomes a special occasion when prepared with love and care! Enjoy!