Pasta with Chicken and Barley

Pasta with Chicken and Barley is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, nutty barley, and al dente pasta, all brought together with a savory broth. This unique fusion creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli) - 100 grams
• Barley - 50 grams
• Chicken breast - 200 grams, diced
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken broth - 500 milliliters
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. In a medium pot, bring 500 milliliters of chicken broth to a boil. Add the barley and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender.
2. While the barley cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Once the barley is cooked, drain any excess broth and add it to the skillet with the chicken mixture. Stir to combine.
5. In the same pot used for barley, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the chicken and barley mixture, gently tossing to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbs: 54 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from chicken, supporting muscle health.
• Barley is a good source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.

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