Macaroni Con Pollo
Macaroni con pollo is simply pasta with chicken. The preferred pasta is rigatoni. Do you want to know why I use rigatoni? The first reason is because that it is the pasta that my mother-in-law used and she is the one that taught me this recipe. If you have been following along with me then you know my mother-in-law is who introduced me to Cuban food. Now, you might be saying, BUT this isn't Cuban! Well, you are right. This recipe is a mother-in-law original.
Just like this breakfast sausage recipe. I don't know how or when she came up with these recipes but I do know they are amazing and I love sharing them with you!
Now, back to the rigatoni. I actually love how rigatoni is the preferred noodle. The second reason is because the sauce gets into each rigatoni noodle. When you take a bite the sauce is hiding in the noodle and then squeezes out in your mouth. It's like a pasta party in your mouth with each bite. Today I used Goya rigatoni which looks more like a bigger penne pasta. I have used the shorter and wider rigatoni which is just as good.
Recipe Notes
Chicken - I used boneless skinless chicken breast. Boneless skinless thighs can be used as well or a combination. Another option is to cook whole pieces of chicken in the sauce
before adding the noodles. When the chicken is cooked through take it out and shred it and put it back in.
Pasta - Since this is a one pot dish be careful
not to overcook the pasta. Cook the noodles to a minute
before al dente. The reason is because the carry over heat will finish cooking the pasta to perfectly done. If the noodles are overcooked they will become mushy and soak up all of the sauce.
Sauce - After the noodles are added keep an eye on the sauce. If it looks like it is getting too thick adjust by adding more water or chicken stock. Don't forget to adjust the salt and seasoning as well. Only stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Garnish with parmesan cheese and cilantro. If you don't like cilantro use parsley. For some brightness squeeze a little lime or lemon juice on top when serving. Serve Macaroni con Pollo with some garlic bread and a salad.
I am working on new version of Macaroni con Pollo. I will be "elevating" the dish using fresh tomatoes and adding a secret ingredient.
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