Tagliatelle with chicken breast

Tagliatelle with Chicken Breast and Bacon

Welcome to the delicious world of pasta! Today we will prepare a savory recipe for tagliatelle with chicken breast and bacon, a combination that will delight everyone's taste buds. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With a total preparation time of about 30-35 minutes, you will create a dish that not only looks good but also tastes exceptional.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 package (400g) tagliatelle
- 2 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 400-500g)
- 3-4 cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes if you don't have cherry on hand)
- 2 thin slices of bacon
- 50-100g butter
- 1 leaf of fresh mint
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt, white pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Boiling the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the tagliatelle. Boil according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once boiled, drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential to maintain the perfect texture of the pasta.

2. Preparing the ingredients: In a skillet or wok, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. You can also add a little olive oil for extra flavor, but the butter will add a rich taste.

3. Cooking the bacon: Cut the bacon slices into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Sauté the bacon until crispy and it releases its flavors, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes (or diced regular tomatoes) and cook them together with the bacon for another 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft.

4. Cooking the chicken breast: Meanwhile, prepare the chicken breast. You can grill it or cook it in a skillet. Season with salt and white pepper, then cook for 20-25 minutes, turning it on all sides to brown evenly. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add the drained tagliatelle to the skillet with bacon and tomatoes. Mix well to combine the flavors and let them cook together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors.

6. Plating: Finally, add the slices of chicken breast to the skillet, stirring gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Serve the dish on plates, garnished with a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tagliatelle with chicken breast and bacon is delicious served hot, alongside a glass of dry white wine. This combination will perfectly complement the dish's flavor. You can also add a fresh green salad or a mix of grilled vegetables to create a balanced and healthy menu.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Types of pasta: If you don't have tagliatelle, you can use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, but the cooking time may vary.
- Variations: For a healthier option, you can replace the bacon with turkey ham or add vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftover pasta, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a little oil to bring it back to life.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish contains high-quality protein from the chicken breast, while the bacon adds a rich flavor that makes it a comforting meal. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, and mint not only adds flavor but also aids digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice, offering greater nutritional value and a slightly different taste.
- How can I prevent the pasta from sticking? Make sure to use enough water and salt, and after draining, rinse with cold water as mentioned earlier.

Food is an art, and preparing a delicious dish like tagliatelle with chicken breast and bacon can turn a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!