Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Rotini: A Flavorful Hungarian-Inspired Pasta Dish

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the warm, rich flavors of Chicken Paprikash, a traditional Hungarian dish that’s creamy, hearty, and packed with smoky paprika flavor. In this recipe, we take a classic Chicken Paprikash and pair it with tender rotini pasta to create a fusion of Eastern European tradition and Italian-inspired comfort food. The result? A creamy, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This easy-to-follow recipe walks you through the process of making Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Rotini, and we’ll also share pro tips, serving ideas, variations, and answer common questions so you can master this dish like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of sour cream, heavy cream, and sweet paprika creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the rotini pasta.
• Family-Friendly: The mild, smoky flavors make it a dish that kids and adults will both enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and one skillet, you can whip up this comforting dish in under 45 minutes.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add vegetables to make it your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
  Rotini’s spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Substitute with fusilli, penne, or egg noodles if preferred.
• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean protein option. Thighs work too if you prefer a juicier cut.
• 1 medium onion, diced
  Onions are essential for creating the aromatic base of the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  Fresh garlic adds depth and a savory punch to the dish.
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
  The star of the dish! Sweet paprika provides a rich, smoky-sweet flavor that’s the hallmark of Chicken Paprikash.
• 1 cup chicken broth
  Adds flavor and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 1/2 cup sour cream
  Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the dish.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  Heavy cream creates a velvety smooth texture for the sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  Used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
• 1 tbsp flour
  Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Essential for enhancing the flavor of the sauce and chicken.
• Fresh parsley for garnish
  Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Rotini Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken breast, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Cook the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of Hungarian sweet paprika and the 1 tablespoon of flour, and cook for 1 minute. This step helps bloom the paprika’s flavor and removes the raw taste of the flour.

4. Create the Sauce

1. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture should become smooth and slightly thickened.
2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the Chicken and Cream

1. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
2. Let the mixture simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Finish with Sour Cream

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of sour cream. Mixing the sour cream off the heat prevents it from curdling.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

7. Combine with Pasta and Serve

1. Spoon the creamy chicken paprikash sauce over the cooked rotini pasta and toss gently to coat.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. For an extra flourish, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Paprikash

1. Use High-Quality Paprika: Hungarian paprika is the key ingredient. Avoid substituting with generic paprika as it lacks the depth and richness of the authentic version.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear the chicken just until browned; it will finish cooking in the sauce to stay tender and juicy.
3. Temper the Sour Cream: Adding sour cream to a hot dish can cause it to curdle. Let the sauce cool slightly or remove it from the heat before stirring in the sour cream.
4. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. For a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer.
5. Use Egg Noodles for a Traditional Touch: While rotini adds a fun pasta twist, egg noodles are the classic pairing for Chicken Paprikash.

Variations

1. Make It Spicy

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika for a spicy kick.

2. Vegetarian Option

• Replace the chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.

3. Lighten It Up

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce calories.

4. Add Vegetables

• Include bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for added nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Rotini with these side dishes for a complete meal:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, refreshing side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make a nutritious and simple side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken paprikash can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Paprikash?

You can freeze the sauce and chicken without the sour cream for up to 3 months. Add the sour cream after thawing and reheating to maintain the sauce’s texture.

3. Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, turkey, or even pork tenderloin work well in this recipe.

4. How do I avoid curdling the sour cream?

Stir the sour cream into the sauce off the heat or temper it by mixing it with a bit of the warm sauce before adding it to the skillet.

5. Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce, or skip the flour and let the sauce thicken naturally as it simmers.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Rotini is a satisfying fusion of Hungarian comfort food and Italian-inspired pasta. With its rich paprika-infused sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Paprikash goodness. Jó étvágyat! (Enjoy your meal!)

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