Creamy Tarragon Chicken Penne
Indulge in this delicious Creamy Tarragon Chicken Penne, a comforting dish that expertly combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant vegetables and a luscious cream sauce. The infusion of white wine and tarragon adds a fragrant depth to the dish, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve this hearty pasta dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and grated cheese for an irresistible meal that the whole family will love.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Chicken thighs
8 (Bone-in, skin-on for moisture and flavor)
Onion
1/2 (Finely chopped)
Carrot
1 (Diced)
Celery stick
1 (Diced)
White wine
125 ml (Dry white wine)
Chicken stock
300 ml (Low-sodium preferred)
Whipping cream
100 ml (For richness)
Tarragon
1 tablespoon (Fresh or dried)
Pasta
200 g (Penne or your choice of pasta)
Instructions
1
1. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, searing them on all sides until golden brown.
2
2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to soften, followed by the diced carrot and celery. Stir for another minute to mix the flavors.
3
3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer, cooking until it reduces by a third, which will concentrate the flavors.
4
4. Next, add the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
5
5. Reduce the heat further and stir in the whipping cream. Add the tarragon and season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
6
6. While the chicken mixture is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
7
7. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the creamy chicken stew, stirring gently to coat the pasta and incorporate all the flavors. Serve immediately in warm bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tarragon Chicken Penne?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious cream sauce infused with white wine and tarragon.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to ensure maximum moisture and flavor.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in thighs.
What kind of pasta should I use?
Penne pasta is recommended, though you can use any pasta of your choice.
How long should I cook the chicken and vegetables in the stock?
They should be simmered together for about 8 minutes or until tender.
What can I substitute for tarragon?
If you do not have tarragon, you can use fresh parsley or chervil, though the unique anise-like flavor will be different.
Is white wine necessary for this recipe?
The white wine adds depth and acidity; however, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can I use heavy cream instead of whipping cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used as a direct substitute for whipping cream for a richer sauce.
How do I prepare the vegetables for this dish?
You should finely chop the onion and dice the carrot and celery stick.
What is the role of white wine in the sauce?
It is used to deglaze the pan and is reduced by a third to concentrate the flavors before adding the stock.
How much pasta is required?
The recipe requires 200 grams of penne or your preferred pasta.
Should the chicken be seared before simmering?
Yes, the chicken thighs should be seared in oil until golden brown on all sides to develop flavor.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Yes, both fresh and dried tarragon work well in this recipe.
What type of chicken stock is recommended?
Low-sodium chicken stock is preferred so you can better control the saltiness of the dish.
How do I finish the dish?
Combine the cooked, drained pasta with the creamy chicken mixture and stir gently to coat before serving.
What should I serve with this pasta?
Serve it in warm bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and optionally some grated cheese.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the whipping cream and tarragon.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, vegetables like peas, leeks, or mushrooms would complement the creamy tarragon sauce beautifully.
How much oil is needed for searing?
You will need 1 tablespoon of oil.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become dry compared to thighs.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a preparation and cooking process that involves simple simmering and searing, it is ideal for weeknights.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
It is generally recommended to peel or scrub carrots before dicing them for the best texture.
How much white wine is used?
The recipe calls for 125 ml of dry white wine.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What kind of white wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect for this sauce.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You can attempt a dairy-free version by using a plant-based heavy cream substitute, though the flavor will vary.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe uses 300 ml of chicken stock.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
While it uses pasta, the combination of tarragon, cream, and white wine gives it a French-inspired Italian fusion feel.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
No, do not rinse the pasta; the starches on the surface help the creamy sauce cling to the penne.