Pasta con Pollo

Pasta con Pollo

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Pasta con Pollo, or pasta with chicken, is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a meal for guests, this recipe delivers a satisfying experience that’s both easy to make and impressive on the plate.Pasta con Pollo

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  1. One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot for easy cleanup and convenience.

  2. Creamy and Flavorful: The sauce is rich and packed with comforting flavors that coat the pasta perfectly.

  3. Customizable: Use your favorite pasta shape, add vegetables, or spice it up as you like.

  4. Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Pasta con Pollo:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1½ cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing & Servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 4 to 6

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pasta con Pollo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

To the skillet with onions and garlic, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Pasta con Pollo

Tips for the Best Pasta con Pollo

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

  • Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

  • Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth or white wine after searing the chicken to lift flavorful bits from the pan.

  • Add pasta water gradually to avoid thinning the sauce too much.

Ingredient Variations

Protein Swaps

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick version.

  • Try shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a twist.

Sauce Options

  • Replace cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half for a lighter dish.

  • Add cream cheese for extra richness.

Pasta Shapes

  • Penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or linguine all work well.

Add-In Ideas

  • Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach during the last minute of cooking.

  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds tangy richness and color.

  • Mushrooms: Sauté with onions for extra umami flavor.

  • Peas or broccoli: Add for color and nutritional balance.

How to Make it Spicy

If you enjoy heat, you can spice up this dish by:

  • Adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.

  • Using Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.

  • Tossing in a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper while sautéing the onions.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta con Pollo is satisfying on its own but pairs well with:

  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette

  • Caesar salad or simple green salad

  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or carrots

  • A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

How to Store and Reheat

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months (though cream-based sauces may separate slightly when reheated).

Reheating

  • Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

  • Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Prep chicken and onions ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

  • Cook the pasta a day in advance, toss it in a bit of olive oil, and store it separately.

  • You can also make the sauce ahead and warm it gently before combining everything.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 600–700 kcal

  • Protein: 35–40g

  • Carbohydrates: 45–55g

  • Fat: 25–35g

  • Fiber: 2–3g

  • Sugar: 3–5g Values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make Pasta con Pollo without cream?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk, coconut milk (for a twist), or even a light roux-based sauce made with flour and broth.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting. If your kids are picky eaters, you can skip the garlic and spices.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Grated Romano, Asiago, or even a sharp white cheddar can be substituted.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well—just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy faster than wheat pasta.

Can I bake it into a casserole?

Definitely! Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella or Parmesan, and broil or bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

Pasta con Pollo is a hearty, creamy pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and easy elegance. It’s a dish that adapts to what you have in your kitchen—rich in flavor, full of warmth, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this pasta with chicken will never let you down.