Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant kitchens of Colombia with just one bite - a creamy, indulgent pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Pasta con Pollo is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines tender chicken, luxurious cream, and perfectly cooked pasta into a symphony of flavors that will make your family beg for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cream
- 1/2 cup cheese, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, pour in cream, and stir to combine with chicken and onions. Allow sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add grated cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat evenly with the creamy chicken sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra grated cheese if desired. Accompany with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Dice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use medium-low heat when adding cream to prevent scorching and separation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to build complex flavor layers.
- For extra richness, consider using heavy cream instead of regular cream.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or a Colombian queso fresco.
- Serve immediately for the most luxurious, creamy experience possible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
