Experience a tantalizing blend of flavors with our Spiced Grilled Chicken paired with a sumptuous Special Sauce Pasta. This dish combines the smoky, aromatic spices of perfectly grilled chicken with the creamy, tangy richness of pasta in a unique sauce. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast with a side of pasta
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Ingredients
- For the Spiced Grilled Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (about 680 grams / 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (5 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (2.5 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- For the Special Sauce Pasta:
- 300 grams pasta (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (60 grams)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100 grams / 3.5 ounces)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 grams)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method of Preparation
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
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.
Prepare the Special Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Serve:
- Plate the grilled chicken breasts alongside the pasta with special sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour for deeper flavor.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to get beautiful grill marks on the chicken.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to absorb the sauce well.
- Adjust the cream and cheese in the sauce to achieve your preferred consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will remain juicy, but adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer.
What type of pasta works best?
- Penne, fettuccine, or linguine are excellent choices, but any pasta you prefer will work.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated gently on the stove before tossing with pasta.
Savor the delightful combination of Spiced Grilled Chicken and Special Sauce Pasta at your next meal. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home. Enjoy the layers of flavors and the satisfying harmony of textures that make this recipe truly special.