Craving a comforting yet sophisticated dinner that won't keep you chained to the stove all evening? Look no further! This creamy tagliatelle with chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your mid-week meal game with this simple yet delicious dish, a fantastic example of healthy meals and easy recipes combined.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz tagliatelle pasta
- Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using white wine, add it now and let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through. Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Tagliatelle with Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Using fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish. If fresh parsley isn't available, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add other spices, such as red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Pasta cooking time: Always check the package directions for the ideal cooking time for your tagliatelle pasta. Overcooked pasta will be mushy.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance this dish by adding sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: Around 30-40g
- Fat: Around 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g
This tagliatelle with chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know what you think! We hope you make it a regular part of your delicious dishes repertoire.