I discovered this delightful pasta dish from a friend in Italy, and it has since become a staple in my kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni into a delicious skillet meal. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 1 liter of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 200 grams of elbow macaroni
- For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- For the Egg Mixture:
- 3 whole eggs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Additional Ingredients:
- 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese (plus an additional 100 grams for topping)
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the boiling water.
- Add 200 grams of elbow macaroni to the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically for about 7 minutes, or until al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, cut 3 chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, crack 3 whole eggs and whisk them well.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the eggs. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the egg mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese to the pasta mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate the cooked chicken cubes into the pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Cook the Pasta Mixture:
- Return the large skillet to the stove and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat.
- Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
- Cook the mixture for about 8 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden crust on the bottom.
6. Flip and Finish:
- To ensure even cooking and a crisp top, you’ll need to flip the pasta mixture. Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully invert the skillet to transfer the pasta onto the plate.
- Slide the flipped pasta mixture back into the skillet, adding the remaining 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese is melted and golden brown, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for added flavor and color.
Tips for Success:
- Cooking Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the egg mixture and while frying.
- Chicken: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the pasta. This helps to avoid any potential undercooked pieces.
- Cheese: For extra flavor, you can use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Pan-Frying: Be patient while frying the pasta mixture to achieve a crispy, golden bottom. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying Italian-inspired pasta dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Bon appétit!
