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This creamy paprika chicken with tagliatelle is my go-to comfort food for cozy evenings and special family dinners. The simple combination of succulent chicken, silky cream sauce, and wide ribbons of tagliatelle always brings out the best flavors. Each bite is rich with paprika and savory garlic, warming up any table and making every guest feel right at home.
I remember the first time I made this for a lazy Sunday lunch and it instantly became a household favorite. Now it is my trusted dish anytime I want a crowd-pleaser that does not require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast filet about five hundred grams: Choose fresh and plump cuts for tender juicy results
- Sweet paprika two tablespoons: Go for deep red paprika with a fresh aroma for best color and warmth
- Heavy cream thirty percent about two hundred milliliters: Choose cream without additives for extra smoothness
- Garlic two cloves: Fresh garlic packs more aroma and sharpness
- Onion one medium: Yellow or white with a firm skin for natural sweetness in your sauce
- Tagliatelle pasta two hundred fifty grams: Select thick and wide ribbons so every strand absorbs the sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Choose vibrant deep green leaves for fresh flavor and color
- Salt and black pepper: Adds depth and should be freshly ground for lively taste
- Olive oil about two tablespoons: Fruity and golden oil enhances every layer of taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the chicken breast into bite size strips. Chop your onion and mince the garlic finely. Having these prepped and close at hand helps your cooking stay smooth and organized
- Boil the Tagliatelle:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and stir occasionally. Cook for about eight to ten minutes or until just al dente so it keeps a pleasant chew. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water for your sauce
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Spread the chicken pieces out and season with salt and pepper. Sear for about six minutes while stirring so every surface browns evenly. Transfer the cooked chicken onto a clean plate
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Using the same skillet with chicken bits still clinging to the surface add your diced onion and garlic. Cook gently for three to four minutes until translucent and fragrant but not browned. Let the sweetness release and mingle with the savory chicken drippings
- Add the Paprika:
- Sprinkle the sweet paprika all over the softened onions and garlic. Let it bloom in the hot oil for a minute as you stir so the smoky rich flavor develops fully
- Pour in the Cream:
- Gently pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken into a smooth glossy sauce for about three minutes
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken pieces to your skillet making sure every bit is bathed in the sauce. Let the flavors marry together for another three minutes and check seasoning
- Toss with Tagliatelle:
- Add the drained tagliatelle straight into the pan. Use tongs or two forks to toss everything so the silky sauce coats each strand. If your sauce is too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss again
- Serve and Garnish:
- Twirl generous helpings onto warm plates. Shower with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve while steaming hot and enjoy every morsel
You Must Know
- High in protein for satisfying meals
- Great for leftovers reheats well without losing creaminess
- Pairs with a range of side dishes from salad to roasted veggies
The sweet paprika is my secret star. It gives an alluring color and rich aroma every time and always reminds me of festive meals with my family where this dish shined as a centerpiece. The first sprinkle over the skillet still fills the air with that nostalgic warmth
Storage Tips
Cool the pasta and chicken mixture to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating use a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen things up and revive creaminess. This recipe does not freeze well because the cream can split
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken breast for boneless thigh if you want more juiciness. Turkey breast works beautifully too for a slightly richer flavor. If heavy cream is unavailable full fat Greek yogurt can be stirred in at the end but do not let it boil or it will curdle. Smoked paprika adds another dimension if you prefer a deeper taste
Serving Suggestions
A crisp rocket salad or mixed greens with tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil bring fresh brightness to the rich sauce. Garlic bread on the side is perfect for swooping up every last drop. For a fancier touch finish each plate with ribbons of freshly grated parmesan for a restaurant worthy meal
Cultural and Historical Context
This recipe borrows inspiration from Central European classics like Hungarian chicken paprikash known for bold paprika and creamy sauce. Tagliatelle brings a rustic Italian twist soaking up the gravy beautifully and making this dish a cross cultural favorite for modern kitchens
Common Recipe Questions
- → Jak można urozmaicić kremowego kurczaka paprykowego z tagliatelle?
Spróbuj dodać świeże zioła, np. bazylię czy oregano, parmezan do posypania lub niewielką ilość ostrej papryki dla bardziej wyrazistego smaku.
- → Czy makaron tagliatelle można zastąpić innym rodzajem?
Tak, penne, fusilli czy spaghetti także świetnie łączą się ze śmietanowym sosem oraz podsmażanym kurczakiem i papryką.
- → Czy ten posiłek nadaje się do przygotowania z wyprzedzeniem?
Tak, możesz przygotować całość wcześniej i przechować w lodówce. Podgrzej na patelni dodając odrobinę śmietany, by zachować kremowość sosu.
- → Jak przechowywać resztki kurczaka z tagliatelle?
Resztki przechowuj w szczelnym pojemniku w lodówce do 3 dni. Najlepiej podgrzewać je na małym ogniu lub w mikrofalówce.
- → Jakimi dodatkami uzupełnić danie?
Świetnie pasuje sałatka z rukoli, grillowane warzywa, czosnkowe pieczywo lub kieliszek białego, schłodzonego wina.