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Pappardelle Pasta Recipe with Chicken

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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!

Notes

  • 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.