Description
Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt on both sides to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add chicken broth to the same skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to add depth of flavor.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Pepper: Slowly whisk in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese along with freshly cracked black pepper, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce, coating them thoroughly.
- Finish Cooking: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the luscious sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your heat preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain juiciness.
- Garnish with parsley just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
