Herb-Infused Chicken Breast Aglio e Olio (No Sauce Needed!)
How to Make Delicious Chicken Breast Aglio e Olio at Home
Presenting a wonderfully savory and clean-tasting Chicken Breast Aglio e Olio. This pasta is packed with aromatic herbs and a rich garlic flavor, making it delicious even without a heavy sauce. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish perfect for a simple yet elegant meal!
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti, 3 servings
- Chicken breast, 200g
- Garlic cloves, 6
- Peperoncino, 5 (or dried chili peppers)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (to taste)
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Whole black peppercorns, ground (to taste)
- Baby greens (for garnish, optional)
Seasoning & Aromatics- Classic BBQ seasoning (store-bought, to taste)
- Salt
- Classic BBQ seasoning (store-bought, to taste)
- Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly. Slicing them this way helps their flavor infuse beautifully into the olive oil.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and cook the spaghetti for about 7-8 minutes, or 1 minute less than the package directions, ensuring it’s al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is great for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 3
Heat a wide skillet over medium-low heat and generously add olive oil (about 4-5 tablespoons for 3 servings). Add the sliced garlic and peperoncino. Gently sauté until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. This process infuses the oil with their flavors. You can remove the peperoncino at this stage or leave them in for a spicier kick.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the diced chicken breast to the pan and stir-fry. As the chicken begins to turn opaque on the outside, sprinkle it with the classic BBQ seasoning. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned. Adjust the amount of seasoning based on its saltiness and your preference.
Step 5
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. Toss well to combine everything. If the pasta seems too dry or is clumping together due to the amount, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water while continuing to stir and sauté. A little extra drizzle of olive oil can also help keep it moist and cohesive.
Step 6
Taste the pasta and add salt if needed to achieve your desired seasoning. Finish by grinding fresh black pepper generously over the dish for added aroma and flavor. For an extra touch of richness and creaminess, sprinkle liberally with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with baby greens for a beautiful presentation of your Chicken Breast Aglio e Olio.
