Introduction
This delightful chicken and pasta dish combines savory flavors with creamy whipped ricotta, making for a comforting meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, each element of the dish works harmoniously to create a memorable culinary experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
CHICKEN:
500g/1 lb chicken thigh fillets, cut into small bite-sized pieces (or breast or tenderloin)
1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
PASTA:
220g/7 oz jar sun-dried tomato stripes in oil, drained (RESERVE OIL)
3 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp tomato paste (ok if you don’t have)
1/4 cup dry white wine, optional
400g/14 oz canned crushed tomato
350g/12 oz fusilli pasta (spirals), penne, ziti, macaroni, small shells or similar, uncooked
1 litre/4 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium (sub water plus 1/2 tsp salt)
1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped (can survive without), plus extra for garnish
WHIPPED RICOTTA:
1/2 cup ricotta, full fat
4 tbsp milk, preferably full fat
1/4 cup (packed) finely grated parmesan, sub pinch of salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy creating this warming dish that is sure to please anyone at your table. The combination of juicy chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and creamy ricotta makes for a delectable experience that is both easy to execute and delightful to savor.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Whipped Ricotta
Put the ricotta, milk, and parmesan in a bowl. Whisk vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until it reaches the texture of softly whipped cream. If needed, add more milk to loosen the mixture.
Seal Chicken
Heat the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until the outside is sealed but the inside remains raw. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl.
Sauté
In the same pot, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and the drained sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.
Deglaze
Pour in the optional white wine, allowing it to simmer rapidly for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring regularly until mostly evaporated.
Cooking Liquid
Add the uncooked pasta and the sealed chicken, including any accumulated juices from the bowl. Stir to coat everything in the flavorful mixture. Pour in the chicken stock, followed by the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 15 Minutes
Give the mixture a good stir, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-high to maintain a rapid simmer without boiling over. Cook for 15 minutes without a lid, stirring every 2 minutes initially, then more frequently toward the end to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat if necessary as the cooking time progresses.
How to Tell It’s Done
Most of the liquid should be absorbed, and the pasta should be al dente, although the dish should remain a bit soupy, which is desirable as it absorbs while serving. Stir in the roughly chopped basil.
Serve
Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl or divide it among individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped ricotta, allowing it to melt into the dish. Enjoy!
Notes
Note 1
Ensure to reserve the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for cooking.
Note 2
The white wine is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
Cook techniques
Whipping Ricotta
Combine ricotta, milk, and parmesan in a bowl. Use a whisk to mix vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until it achieves a texture similar to softly whipped cream. Adjust consistency with milk if necessary.
Sealing Chicken
Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large pot over high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until the outside is sealed while the inside remains raw. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same pot, add finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Incorporate tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for 1 minute.
Deglazing the Pot
Pour in white wine and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce and evaporate while stirring regularly. This helps to lift any browned bits from the pot.
Cooking Pasta
Add uncooked pasta and the previously cooked chicken along with accumulated juices to the pot. Stir to combine, then pour in chicken stock and crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a rapid simmer. Cook for 15 minutes without a lid, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking, especially towards the end.
Checking Doneness
Evaluate whether most of the liquid has been absorbed and if the pasta is al dente. The final dish should still be slightly soupy.
Finishing Touches
Stir in roughly chopped basil leaves just before serving. This adds freshness and enhances the dish’s flavor.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thigh fillets, although thigh fillets are generally more tender and flavorful.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or broth.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Pasta is considered al dente when it is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten into.
Can I prepare the whipped ricotta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
You can use dried sun-dried tomatoes, but you may need to rehydrate them in warm water or broth before adding them to the dish.
Conclusion
This chicken and sun-dried tomato pasta dish, complemented by whipped ricotta, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy ricotta creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this dish knowing it balances taste and nutrition, while also being straightforward to prepare.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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