Cacio E Pepe Chicken: Creamy Italian Bliss in 30 Minutes Recipe
Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sauce made from Pecorino Romano cheese, heavy cream, and freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful recipe offers a perfect blend of rich, cheesy goodness and subtle spice, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs for juicier option)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin enhances flavor)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream (Half-and-half can be a lighter substitute)
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan or Grana Padano can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (Use freshly cracked for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (Unsalted allows better control of saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (Optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt on both sides, ensuring thorough coverage for enhanced flavor throughout the meat.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, heating until it shimmers to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Sauté the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add unsalted butter, melting it gently without browning.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, then gradually mix in the Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the rested chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce, then allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and chicken, adjusting salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the chicken, drizzle extra sauce over each piece, garnish with additional cracked black pepper and fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a rich and comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier variation of the dish.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese can be used if Pecorino Romano is unavailable.
- Ensure to use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain moisture.
- Adjust salt carefully, especially since cheese and butter add saltiness.
Keywords: Cacio E Pepe Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken, Pecorino Romano Chicken, Quick Chicken Dinner