Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta

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Introduction:
Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory smoked beef, and creamy sauce tossed with pasta. This comforting meal is perfect for cozy dinners with family or entertaining guests. The combination of protein-packed ingredients and rich, creamy sauce makes this pasta dish satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
  • Salt, for boiling pasta

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz chicken breast, diced
  • 4 oz smoked beef (such as bacon or ham), diced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Additions:

  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms for extra flavor
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas for added sweetness and color
  • Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the diced chicken breast and smoked beef to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the smoked beef is crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Serve:

  • Garnish the creamy chicken and smoked beef pasta with chopped fresh parsley.
  • Serve hot, with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Use any type of pasta you prefer, but hearty varieties like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work particularly well with creamy sauces.
  • For added depth of flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the onions and garlic.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less heavy cream or pasta water, depending on your preference.
  • Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Nutritional Estimate:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (based on 4 servings)
  • Total Fat: Approximately 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 90-120mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 500-600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
  • Sugars: Approximately 2-3g
  • Protein: Approximately 20-25g

Recommendation:
Serve Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta as a satisfying main course for dinner, accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Enjoy the creamy goodness and comforting flavors of this delicious pasta dish with your loved ones!

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