Basil Chicken Bliss: A Flavorful Angel Hair Pasta Delight

Basil chicken over angel hair pasta is a symphony of flavors and textures, a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe combines the aromatic freshness of basil with the savory goodness of chicken, all served atop a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve to guests, this basil chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect and delicious result every time. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection and preparation to cooking techniques and serving suggestions. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this vibrant and flavorful basil chicken creation!

Why This Recipe Works

There are several reasons why this basil chicken over angel hair pasta recipe is a winner:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of fresh basil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a vibrant and unforgettable flavor profile.
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level.
* **Elegant Presentation:** The delicate angel hair pasta and bright green basil create a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for entertaining.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** This recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious basil chicken over angel hair pasta:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
* **Angel Hair Pasta:** 1 pound angel hair pasta. Other pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine can also be substituted.
* **Fresh Basil:** 2 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped. The fresher the basil, the better the flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is a key ingredient that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced. Ginger provides a warm and slightly spicy note.
* **Soy Sauce:** ¼ cup soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds a savory umami flavor).
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity and balances the flavors.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** ½ cup chicken broth. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Use any neutral-flavored oil for cooking.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat).
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish).
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect basil chicken over angel hair pasta:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will marinate the chicken and help to tenderize it.
3. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

**Step 2: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 4-5 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

**Step 3: Prepare the Sauce**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be the base of our delicious basil sauce.
2. Set the sauce aside.

**Step 4: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 6: Combine and Simmer**

1. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. The cornstarch in the marinade will help to thicken the sauce.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
4. Add the chopped fresh basil and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.

**Step 7: Serve**

1. Divide the angel hair pasta among serving plates.
2. Top with the basil chicken mixture.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize this basil chicken over angel hair pasta recipe to your liking:

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms all work well. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and ginger and sauté until tender-crisp.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like your food spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add a chopped chili pepper to the skillet along with the garlic and ginger.
* **Use Different Protein:** You can substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Add Peanuts:** For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped peanuts over the dish before serving.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
* **Coconut Milk:** For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk.

Serving Suggestions

This basil chicken over angel hair pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a cucumber salad to add some freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish.
* **Spring Rolls:** Serve with fresh spring rolls for a light and refreshing appetizer.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the flavors of this dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to get ahead on your meal preparation, here are some make-ahead tips:

* **Marinate the Chicken:** You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Sauce:** You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. If you do need to cook it in advance, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover basil chicken over angel hair pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 550-650 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fat: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

Basil chicken over angel hair pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh basil, savory chicken, and delicate pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With this comprehensive guide and detailed instructions, you can confidently create this delicious meal in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the bliss of basil chicken!

Enjoy your culinary adventure!