Chicken and Cavatelli

Chicken and Cavatelli Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and Cavatelli is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with delicious egg noodles in a flavorful broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

History

Chicken and Cavatelli is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a savory broth is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

5 cups of canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1 bay leaf
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 ribs of celery, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
3 carrots, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1 tsp of dried sage
1.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 2.25 lb or 1.02 kg in total)
0.75 lb (340 g) of cavatelli (ricotta gnocchi dumplings) (or use cavatelli egg noodles)
2 tbsp of softened butter
2 tbsp of flour

How to prepare

In a large pot, bring the broth, bay leaf, onion, celery, and carrots to a simmer.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the sage, salt, pepper, and chicken breasts and simmer, partially covered, until just done, about 25 minutes.
Turn the chicken breasts a few times during cooking.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the cavatelli until just done, about 10 minutes.
Drain.
In a small bowl, stir the butter and flour together to form a paste.
Remove the bay leaf from the pot, push the chicken to the side and then whisk the butter mixture into the liquid.
Simmer until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the cooked cavatelli and simmer until just heated through.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or spinach to the broth for extra color and flavor.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, in place of the cavatelli.

Notes

Frozen Pasta: Several brands of frozen cavatelli, flat egg noodles, and gnocchi are available in supermarkets. Unlike dried pasta, these products have an appealing doughy chew that we find just right with this type of saucy stew. Cook the frozen pasta separately according to package directions, drain, and then stir into the pot with the chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the broth well with salt, pepper, and dried sage to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Cooking the chicken breasts with the bone-in adds extra flavor to the broth.

- Whisking the butter and flour together to form a paste helps to thicken the broth and create a creamy texture.

- Simmering the cavatelli in the broth allows the noodles to absorb the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken and Cavatelli with a side of crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken breasts in the broth helps to infuse the meat with flavor.

- Whisking the butter and flour together creates a roux that thickens the broth and adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

- Substitute gluten-free pasta for the egg noodles to make the recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken and Cavatelli can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chicken and Cavatelli with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken and Cavatelli with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken and Cavatelli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken and Cavatelli contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken and Cavatelli contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken and Cavatelli contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken and Cavatelli contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken and Cavatelli is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the egg noodles) and dairy (from the butter).

Summary

Chicken and Cavatelli is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and Cavatelli is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty egg noodles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken and Cavatelli. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the delicious aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting through the air.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to show you today, my dear," she said as she motioned for me to sit at the kitchen table. I eagerly sat down, ready to learn whatever delicious dish she had in store for me.

She laid out all the ingredients on the table - fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, chicken, and of course, the star of the show, cavatelli pasta. Maria explained that cavatelli was a type of pasta that originated in southern Italy and was perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.

As Maria began to cook, I watched intently, taking mental notes on each step she took. She started by sautéing the garlic in olive oil until it was golden and fragrant. The smell was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait to taste the final dish.

Next, she added the fresh tomatoes and let them simmer until they were soft and juicy. The kitchen filled with the rich aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the sauce was ready, Maria added the seasoned chicken pieces and let them cook until they were tender and juicy. The smell of the cooking chicken mingled with the scent of the sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that made my stomach growl in hunger.

Finally, Maria cooked the cavatelli pasta until it was al dente and then tossed it in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors. She plated the dish and garnished it with fresh basil leaves, giving it a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

As I took my first bite of the Chicken and Cavatelli, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The tender chicken, the savory sauce, and the perfectly cooked pasta all combined to create a dish that was pure perfection. I couldn't believe how simple yet delicious this recipe was, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After finishing my meal, I begged Maria to teach me her secret recipe. She chuckled and agreed, happy to pass on her knowledge to a willing student. We spent the rest of the afternoon cooking together, with Maria guiding me through each step and offering tips and tricks along the way.

By the end of the day, I had mastered the art of making Chicken and Cavatelli. The recipe became a staple in my own kitchen, and I made it for my family and friends whenever I wanted to impress them with my cooking skills.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, making it my own while still staying true to the flavors that Maria taught me. Every time I make Chicken and Cavatelli, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a love for cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones.

And so, this recipe holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds of friendship, the joy of learning something new, and the simple pleasures of a good meal shared with those you love. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to create memories, and to express my creativity. And thanks to Maria and her delicious recipe for Chicken and Cavatelli, my passion for cooking has only grown stronger with each passing day.