Oh, my dears, there’s a certain magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary, isn’t there? And when it comes to weeknight wonders, this One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken is an absolute star. It brings all the comforting, peppery, cheesy goodness of classic cacio e pepe, married with tender chicken, all in one glorious pan – a symphony of flavor that feels both gourmet and delightfully approachable.
I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her transform everyday staples into dishes that felt like a warm hug. It’s that same spirit of turning simple into spectacular that guided me through years of baking, and it’s what makes a dish like this one-pan marvel so special. It’s about bringing joy to the table without all the fuss.
This recipe is truly a gift for busy evenings. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a family meal, and comes together with minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to savor those precious moments with loved ones. My best advice? Always use freshly cracked black pepper; it truly makes all the difference!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful meal begins with a few humble heroes. We’re talking about tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts that crisp up beautifully, alongside the star of the show: Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses, creating that signature creamy, peppery sauce. Every bite of this One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken sings with simple, honest flavor. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken
Whipping up this cozy One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a breeze, my friends! We’ll start by giving our chicken breasts a lovely sear to lock in all that flavor, then set them aside. Next, the magic happens right in the same pan as we cook the spaghetti or bucatini directly in chicken broth, infused with plenty of black pepper. Finally, we’ll stir in the cheeses to create that irresistible cacio e pepe sauce, before bringing the chicken back into the pan to warm through and soak up all the deliciousness.
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One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Do not clean the skillet; leave any browned bits and fat in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp fresh olive oil to the same skillet. Add 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and toast for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Add the broken spaghetti to the simmering broth, spreading it out as much as possible. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the liquid evaporates too quickly and pasta is still hard, add 1/4 cup hot water as needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually add the finely grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly with tongs or a whisk until the cheese is melted and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of hot water or chicken broth until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the sliced chicken over the Cacio e Pepe pasta in the skillet.
- Garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper and grated Pecorino Romano cheese, if desired. Serve directly from the pan.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken
When you’re making this delightful One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken, a few little secrets can elevate it from wonderful to absolutely unforgettable. Trust me, these are born from years of kitchen experiments!
My Secret Trick: I always make sure to grate my Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses freshly. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce clumpy, but freshly grated melts into the silkiest, most divine cacio e pepe. It’s a game-changer!
Another tip I swear by is to really sear your chicken breasts well. That golden-brown crust adds so much depth of flavor to the entire dish. Don’t rush this step; let that beautiful color develop before you set them aside.
When you’re adding the cheese to create the sauce, make sure your heat is off or very low. Gradually add the cheese, stirring constantly, and allow the residual heat from the pasta and broth to melt it into a luscious, creamy emulsion. This prevents the cheese from seizing.
Finally, don’t be shy with the black pepper! This is a cacio e pepe, after all. Freshly cracked pepper, liberally applied at different stages, is what gives this One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken its iconic warmth and zing.
Fun Variations for One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken
One of the greatest joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, isn’t it? This One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to play around!
Add a Touch of Green
My friend Sarah loves to add a handful of fresh spinach or some finely chopped kale to her cacio e pepe chicken right before serving. The greens wilt beautifully into the warm pasta, adding a lovely pop of color and extra nutrients. It’s a simple way to get some veggies in!
Spicy Kick
For those who love a bit of heat, consider stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the black pepper. It adds a wonderful warmth that complements the peppery sauce. My cousin always asks for this fiery twist whenever I make it!
Creamier Indulgence
If you’re craving an even richer, creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the cheeses. It makes the sauce extra luxurious, though the traditional version is already quite decadent. This isn’t how my grandmother would make it, but sometimes a little extra cream is just what the soul needs!
What to Serve With One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken
This One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a hearty, comforting meal all on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can make it feel even more special and complete.
I always love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the pasta and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced meal. It’s like a breath of fresh air on the plate!
Another delightful option is some crusty bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. There’s nothing quite like mopping up those last bits of peppery, cheesy goodness. My mom always keeps a fresh baguette on hand for just such occasions!
For a touch of elegance, consider a glass of crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Or, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is always refreshing.
How to Store One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken
After all the love you’ve poured into making this delicious One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers stay just as delightful.
Refrigerator Storage
Once your One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always recommend using a shallow container to help it cool faster and more evenly.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, my favorite way to reheat is gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or even a little water to a pan, then warm the pasta and chicken over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. This helps to revive the sauce and keep everything moist. A light dusting of fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan after reheating brings it right back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
This isn’t just a delicious meal; our One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken offers some lovely nutritional benefits too! It provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken, essential for muscle health, and carbohydrates from the pasta to fuel your energy. While it’s certainly an indulgent treat, using simple, wholesome ingredients means it’s a satisfying and comforting dish that nourishes the body as well as the soul.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use a different type of pasta for One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or bucatini are classic, you can certainly use other long pastas like linguine or even short pastas like penne. Just ensure it cooks in a similar timeframe.
Faq 2
Can I make One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients for this savory One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken are naturally gluten-free.
Faq 3
What if my Cacio E Pepe sauce is too thick?
If your sauce for the One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken becomes too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of warm chicken broth or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Faq 4
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the chicken by seasoning it ahead of time. However, for the best flavor and texture in this One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken, I recommend cooking it fresh as part of the one-pan process.
Conclusion
There’s something so incredibly rewarding about creating a truly delicious meal with minimal fuss, and this One-Pan Cacio E Pepe Chicken truly embodies that spirit. It’s a dish that warms the heart, fills the belly, and leaves you with more time to cherish those moments around the table. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of cooking, and create some sweet memories – because that, my dears, is what homemade meals are all about. Happy cooking!