Ingredients
Creating this delectable dish requires a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:
– Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation.
– Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a robust, smoky flavor.
– Pasta: I prefer fettuccine for this recipe, but any long pasta will do.
– Heavy cream: This forms the base of the sauce, lending it a luscious texture.
– Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, to add depth and aroma.
– Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
– Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and bacon.
– Salt and pepper: To season the dish to perfection.
Each ingredient plays a vital role, much like the stories and traditions woven into our family meals. The interplay of flavors and textures is a nod to the culinary adventures I embarked on across Italy and Spain, where each dish told its own unique story.
Instructions
Creating this dish is a joyful process, reminiscent of my childhood days in the kitchen. Here’s how to bring it to life:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**: Begin by slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and chopping the bacon into small strips. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
2. **Cook the Pasta**: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
3. **Cook the Bacon**: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. **Sauté the Chicken**: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
5. **Make the Sauce**: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. **Combine and Serve**: Add the pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Cooking this dish is an act of love, much like the afternoons I spent learning from my grandmother and mother. The process is as satisfying as the result, each step a reminder of the warmth and community found in a shared meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International