Chicken with angel hair pasta

Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken with angel hair pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful pasta and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

This recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese is a favorite in many households, and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

4 boned and skinned chicken breasts
0.25 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 clove crushed garlic
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (454 g) cooked angel hair pasta
As directed
1 jar good pasta sauce
mozzarella cheese
cheddar cheese
colby cheese

How to prepare

1. Pound chicken breasts until they are 0.25 inch thick (454 g).
2. Heat butter and oil in a large frying pan.
3. Dip chicken breasts first in scrambled egg and then in bread crumbs. Melt butter in a hot frying pan and add olive oil and crushed garlic.
4. Heat for just a minute and add chicken breasts.
5. Fry until browned and cooked.
6. Make nests of cooked pasta.
7. Put some sauce on the pasta.
8. Place one cooked chicken breast on top and put a small amount of sauce on top of that.
9. Sprinkle the cheeses on the chicken breast and put under the broiler until the cheese melts.

Variations

Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a different taste.
Add some cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the pasta for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

- Use seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor in the breading.

- Don't overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become dry and tough.

- Be generous with the cheese on top of the chicken breasts for a gooey, melty finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken breasts until they are browned and cooked through.

- Use a broiler to melt the cheese on top of the chicken breasts for a crispy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat pasta instead of angel hair pasta for a healthier option.

- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bread the chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. You can also cook the pasta ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken breasts on a bed of pasta with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese on top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Chianti.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and is a satisfying and filling meal.

Summary

Chicken with angel hair pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny afternoon in the spring of 1965 when I stumbled upon it, tucked away in an old recipe book in the back of my grandmother's kitchen cupboard. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a handwritten note that read "Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta."

I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and my grandmother was my greatest inspiration. She had taught me everything she knew about the culinary world, from the basics of chopping vegetables to the intricate techniques of creating delicate pastries. But this recipe was something new, something I had never tried before.

Intrigued, I decided to give it a go. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - chicken breasts, angel hair pasta, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. As I prepared the dish, the aroma of the garlic and basil filled the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The recipe was simple yet elegant, with each ingredient complementing the other perfectly. The chicken was tender and juicy, the pasta light and delicate. As I took my first bite, I knew I had discovered something truly special.

I made the dish for my family that evening, and it was an instant hit. My husband praised me for my culinary skills, and my children devoured their plates with gusto. From that moment on, Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta became a staple in our household, a recipe that would be passed down through generations.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the dish, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create new and exciting variations. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all marveled at its simplicity and delicious flavor.

But it wasn't until I traveled to Italy in 1982 that I truly understood the magic of this dish. In a small trattoria in Florence, I had the opportunity to taste authentic Italian cuisine, and I was blown away by the depth of flavors and the richness of the ingredients.

I spent hours talking to the chef, learning about the traditional methods of Italian cooking and the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It was a revelation, and it inspired me to elevate my own cooking to new heights.

When I returned home, I decided to incorporate some of the techniques I had learned in Italy into my recipe for Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta. I started using San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil from my garden, and imported Parmesan cheese. The difference was remarkable - the dish had a depth of flavor and a complexity that I had never experienced before.

As the years passed, my love for cooking only grew stronger. I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always striving to push the boundaries of my culinary skills. But no matter how many dishes I tried, Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta remained my favorite.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It has been a constant source of joy and inspiration in my life, a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, I will continue to cook this dish for as long as I am able, passing on the recipe to my children and grandchildren so that they too can experience the magic of Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta. For in its simplicity lies a world of flavor and love, a testament to the beauty of good food and the joy of sharing it with others.