Pappardelle Pasta Recipe with Chicken – Simple Easy Meals

Before diving into the heart of the recipe, let’s discuss what dishes can accompany a plate of pappardelle pasta with chicken. You might be thinking, “What can I serve with this?” That’s an excellent question. This pasta dish can shine on its own, but adding a couple of sides can elevate your meal.

A crisp green salad works wonders. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon gives a refreshing contrast to the pasta’s rich flavors.

Garlic bread is an age-old companion, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. A loaf brushed with olive oil and garlic, toasted to perfection, complements the dish beautifully.

Roasted vegetables add a colorful and healthy touch. Choose seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, roasted until tender. They provide a delightful sweetness that balances the savory profile of your pappardelle.

Now, let’s get into how we can craft a delightful meal featuring pappardelle and chicken.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

1. Flavor Integration: This dish exemplifies how flavors meld together beautifully. You have the savory richness of chicken paired with the earthiness of rosemary and garlic, all enveloped in a creamy sauce.
   
2. Texture Contrast: The silky pappardelle provides a wonderful juxtaposition to the crispy bacon. Each bite offers a delightful crunch mixed with that smooth creaminess.
   
3. Quick and Easy Preparation: Using rotisserie chicken saves time. Instead of cooking the chicken from scratch, we lean into the juiciness of pre-cooked meat, keeping our schedule manageable without sacrificing flavor.
   
4. Flexible Ingredients: The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the creaminess to suit your preferences, making it a customizable meal for any season.

How Does It Taste?

The initial bite is a thrilling contrast. The richness of the heavy cream meets the savory delight of the chicken and bacon in a luxurious embrace. 

The rosemary’s fresh flavor lightens the overall dish, while garlic adds depth. The sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano amplifies the umami flavor, making every forkful a satisfying experience.

In short, you will find a delightful balance between richness and freshness. It’s comfort food taken to a new level.

What Sets This Recipe Apart?

Unlike many variations of pappardelle with chicken you might find online, this recipe incorporates a flawless blend of textures and flavors. The use of thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, savory pop, while we often overlook it in traditional pasta recipes. 

By incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary, we steer clear of bland flavors and instead introduce a fresh note that compliments the cream.

Moreover, the use of a rotisserie chicken means that the cooking process is streamlined, ensuring that preparing this dish doesn’t take hours. It’s further enhanced by the choice of pappardelle. 

This wide noodle captures more of the sauce compared to other pasta shapes. This level of thought in ingredient selection makes all the difference in your experience.

The Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients, which will ensure a delightful dish:

• 6 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from 1 large chicken), at room temperature
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) thick-cut bacon, sliced into ½ inch pieces
• ¾ cup (4 oz) finely diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, gently smashed and peeled
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon roughly chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 ¼ teaspoons dried rosemary)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 16 ounces pappardelle or other wide pasta noodles
• 1 medium (4 oz) carrot, finely diced
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving
• Coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added warmth)

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the steps in creating this delicious dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by shredding your rotisserie chicken. It should be at room temperature. Cut the bacon into ½ inch slices and have your vegetables diced and ready to go. This makes the cooking process smooth and effortless.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Sauté them until they become crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want that lovely aroma to fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet, leaving the fat behind. In the rendered bacon fat, add the diced onion, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Toss in the smashed garlic and rosemary. Sauté for another minute to release the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Cream

With the onions and garlic fragrant, stir in the shredded chicken. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Lower the heat to medium-low, bringing it to a gentle simmer. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While you’re completing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the chicken sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat well, adding reserved pasta water little by little until you achieve the desired consistency. You want it creamy but not too heavy.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Sprinkle the bacon back into the mixture along with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

Before you dive in, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in flavor.
  
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and offers a better texture in the dish.
  
• Manage the Sauce Consistency: If too thick, just add a bit of reserved pasta water gradually.
  
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
  
• Experiment with Herbs: Other herbs like thyme or oregano could add excellent flavor variations. Feel free to explore.

Nutrition Information

For those of you keeping an eye on nutritional content, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (estimate based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 45 g
• Fat: 45 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 4 g

How Do You Store This Pappardelle Pasta with Chicken?

Storing leftover pasta is a breeze. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Sides for Pappardelle Pasta with Chicken

Let’s explore some fabulous side options.

1. Simple Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing create a fresh counterpoint to the rich pasta. Toss in some shaved Parmesan for that classic touch.
   
2. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans offer a burst of color and slight crunch. Simply steam them and finish with a drizzle of lemon juice or a dash of olive oil.
   
3. Caprese Skewers: Assemble fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves on skewers. Drizzling them with balsamic glaze adds a delightful sweetness that enhances the meal’s flavors.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?

In case some ingredients are playing hide and seek in your pantry, here are alternatives to consider:

• Rotisserie Chicken Substitute: Shredded turkey or cooked shrimp can work well. They offer similar flavors while keeping the dish light.
  
• Pasta Variety: If pappardelle isn’t available, try fettuccine or tagliatelle. They both maintain a similar texture and can hold the sauce beautifully.
  
• Fresh Herbs Variations: No rosemary? No problem! Thyme or parsley can lend a fresh kiss of flavor.
  
• Swap Cream: For a lighter version, consider Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream. They will provide creaminess with fewer calories.

Conclusion

Pappardelle pasta with chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a gathering of hearty flavors, textures, and experiences. Simple yet sophisticated, this dish holds potential for variation and personalization. 

It arrives fully loaded with savory satisfaction, an embodiment of both comfort and culinary adventure.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try. Your family will thank you, and you might just find yourself making it more than once. 

Let me know your thoughts and any fun variations you come up with in the comments below! Happy cooking!

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Pappardelle Pasta Recipe with Chicken – Simple Easy Meals

Pappardelle pasta with chicken is a dinner choice that brings comfort and satisfaction. Imagine twirling wide, ribbon-like noodles around your fork, each duo of chicken and sauce mingling in a creamy harmony. It’s the kind of dish that can transform a simple weeknight into something special. 

Plus, with just a few ingredients, it showcases the essence of Italian cooking: simple, quality ingredients treated with care.

As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I can assure you that this recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. And I'm not just talking about flavor; it’s about health too. 

You’ll find that this dish is hearty yet manages to stay on the lighter side, thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken and fresh herbs. So, let’s break down why this recipe works so well.

Author: Natasha Dunford Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 6 Calories: 720 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 6 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, at room temperature (from 1 large chicken)

• Kosher salt, to taste

• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, sliced into ½ inch (13 mm) pieces (about 2 cups)

• ³⁄₄ cup finely diced onion (4 oz)

• 2 garlic cloves, gently smashed and peeled

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon roughly chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 ¼ teaspoons dried rosemary)

• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups heavy cream

• 16 ounces pappardelle or other wide pasta noodles

• 1 medium carrot, finely diced (4 oz)

• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

• Coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Begin by shredding your rotisserie chicken. It should be at room temperature. Cut the bacon into ½ inch slices and have your vegetables diced and ready to go. This makes the cooking process smooth and effortless.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Sauté them until they become crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want that lovely aroma to fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

1. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet, leaving the fat behind. In the rendered bacon fat, add the diced onion, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Toss in the smashed garlic and rosemary. Sauté for another minute to release the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Cream

1. With the onions and garlic fragrant, stir in the shredded chicken. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Lower the heat to medium-low, bringing it to a gentle simmer. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. While you're completing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

1. Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the chicken sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat well, adding reserved pasta water little by little until you achieve the desired consistency. You want it creamy but not too heavy.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

1. Sprinkle the bacon back into the mixture along with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Enjoy every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 720kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 45g70%

Total Carbohydrate 31g11%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 45g90%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in flavor.
  
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and offers a better texture in the dish.
  
• Manage the Sauce Consistency: If too thick, just add a bit of reserved pasta water gradually.
  
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
  
• Experiment with Herbs: Other herbs like thyme or oregano could add excellent flavor variations. Feel free to explore.

Keywords: Pappardelle pasta recipe with chicken