Pasta con pollo isn’t just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to any table. The tender chicken combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that satisfies both body and soul. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner after a long day or preparing a meal to share with friends and family, this simple yet indulgent recipe is perfect for every occasion. Let’s dive into the steps that make this dish so timeless and beloved by home cooks worldwide.
Why We Love This Pasta Con Pollo Recipe
The charm of pasta con pollo lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here’s why this dish is so loved by so many:
- Comforting and Hearty
Pasta con pollo brings together two of the most beloved ingredients in the culinary world: pasta and chicken. There’s something inherently comforting about this combination. The rich, savory sauce enveloping the tender chicken and the perfectly cooked pasta creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. - Quick and Easy
Life can get hectic, but you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed. Pasta con pollo is a one-pan dish that can be ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re making dinner after a long day or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. - Customizable
The beauty of pasta con pollo is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you want it creamy or light, spicy or mild, the possibilities are endless. You can swap ingredients, change the sauce base, or experiment with different pasta shapes to create a dish that’s uniquely yours. - Perfect for Any Occasion
Pasta con pollo is versatile enough for everyday dinners and special occasions alike. You can make it for a cozy weeknight meal or serve it at a dinner party. The dish is sure to impress, no matter the setting.
In short, pasta con pollo is loved for its comforting, flavorful nature and its ability to bring people together around the dinner table. It’s a dish that brings joy and satisfaction, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Pasta Con Pollo
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 200g (7 oz) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Pasta Con Pollo
Now that you know why pasta con pollo is so beloved, let’s walk through how to make this delicious dish step by step. It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
Cook the Pasta
As the chicken cooks, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need it to adjust the sauce later.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic and onion until they’re soft and fragrant about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using bell peppers, add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and, if you’re making a creamy version, pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine everything, letting the sauce coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta con pollo hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Pasta Con Pollo
To make your pasta con pollo even better, keep these expert tips in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic, tomatoes, and herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of your dish. While canned tomatoes are fine, fresh tomatoes can add an extra layer of brightness to the sauce.
Choose the Right Pasta
The type of pasta you choose can affect the dish’s overall texture. Penne works well because its tube shape holds the sauce, but you can also use fettuccine or spaghetti depending on your preference.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooking chicken can lead to dry, rubbery meat. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken (165°F or 74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
Season as You Go
Sample the sauce while it cooks and modify the seasoning as necessary. Adding salt, pepper, and even a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Get Creative with Add-ins
Want to add more vegetables? Feel free to toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. You can even experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like pasta con pollo, it’s easy to make a few mistakes. Here are the most common ones to avoid:
Overcooking the Chicken
Cooking chicken for too long makes it dry and tough. Always keep an eye on it, and remember that it will continue to cook slightly once you remove it from the heat.
Not Reserving Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water can be a lifesaver when adjusting the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up and give it a silky texture.
Forgetting to Taste as You Go
Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish. Be sure to taste the sauce at various stages and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Not Letting the Sauce Simmer Long Enough
Don’t rush the sauce! Allowing it to simmer and reduce helps concentrate the flavors, creating a rich, savory base for your pasta and chicken.
Variations to Try for Your Pasta Con Pollo
One of the best things about pasta con pollo is how versatile it can be. By making a few tweaks or substitutions, you can transform the dish into something new every time you prepare it. Whether you want to experiment with different flavors, try a healthier version, or give it a seasonal twist, here are some variations to consider:
Creamy Alfredo Pasta Con Pollo
Swap the regular sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce to make a rich, indulgent version of this dish. Combine butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a luscious sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce before mixing it into the pasta.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
If you love a bit of heat, turn your pasta con pollo into a Cajun-style dish. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and sauté it with garlic, onion, and bell peppers.
Add a splash of heavy cream or tomato sauce for a flavorful, spicy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
More Pasta Recipes you will love!
grilled chicken alfredo recipe
FAQ: All You Need to Know About Pasta Con Pollo
How do you make pasta more delicious?
To make your pasta con pollo more delicious, it’s essential to focus on creating a flavorful sauce. Whether you go with a creamy Alfredo sauce, a fresh tomato-basil sauce, or a zesty lemon herb sauce, the key is to enhance the flavor of the sauce with fresh herbs, spices, and seasonings. Adding ingredients like garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil will instantly boost the taste of your pasta. Additionally, tossing in well-cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, or a hint of lemon zest can give the dish extra depth and freshness. For a richer flavor, always season your pasta water with salt before cooking it, which helps the pasta absorb more flavor.
What does chicken broth do in pasta?
In pasta con pollo, chicken broth plays a crucial role in enriching the dish’s flavor. When you use chicken broth, it infuses the pasta and sauce with a savory, meaty depth. If you’re making a creamy pasta sauce or a lighter tomato-based one, adding a splash of chicken broth will help thin the sauce while also giving it a rich, savory foundation. It’s a great way to balance out the richness of cream sauces and add flavor without being overwhelming. Plus, it can help the sauce coat the pasta more evenly, making every bite satisfying.
What is the healthiest meat to add to pasta?
When preparing pasta con pollo, chicken is a lean, healthy option that pairs perfectly with pasta. Chicken breast, in particular, is a great choice due to its low fat and high protein content. It adds a substantial amount of protein to the dish while remaining light and healthy. For a lighter, heart-healthy option, you can even use skinless chicken breast or grilled chicken. If you’re looking to reduce fat further, opting for turkey breast can also be a healthy alternative. Whether you’re looking for something lean or a bit more flavorful, these poultry options are nutritious and ideal for balancing the rich flavors of the pasta and sauce.
Pasta con pollo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 200 g 7 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes for al dente).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping some pasta water.
Make the Sauce
- If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes.
- Add bell peppers (optional) and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken
- Slice the chicken into strips.
- Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Add the chicken and, for a creamy version, pour in heavy cream.
- Stir and adjust the sauce with pasta water if needed.
Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
- Add grated Parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy your meal!