Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta

by

Introduction:
Experience the comforting and indulgent flavors of this Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta dish. This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken and savory smoked beef with al dente pasta, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces (340g) pasta of your choice (such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)

For the Chicken and Smoked Beef:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces (115g) smoked beef or beef bacon, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

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

2. Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Beef:

  • Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced smoked beef or beef bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Smoked Beef:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
  • Return the cooked chicken and smoked beef to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.

5. Serve and Garnish:

  • Divide the Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta among serving plates or bowls.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and comforting pasta dish!

Tips for Success:

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less chicken broth or pasta water.
  • Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

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

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately)
  • Calories: Approximately 500-600
  • Total Fat: Approximately 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 12-15g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 120-150mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 500-600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
  • Sugars: Approximately 2-3g
  • Protein: Approximately 25-30g

Recommendation:
Serve this Creamy Chicken and Smoked Beef Pasta with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner for two or shared with family and friends, this creamy and flavorful pasta dish is sure to be a hit!

Leave a Comment