Sophie Bennett
Chicken and pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of wines. The wine that goes best with chicken and pasta depends on the sauce used in the dish. For instance, a light red wine like Valpolicella Classico pairs well with a creamy Alfredo sauce, while a bold red wine complements a hearty Bolognese. Lighter cream sauces go well with full-bodied, fruity whites like Vouvray or Chardonnay. For a dish with a punch of spice, an off-dry white wine is a good option as its gentle sweetness balances the heat of the spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Off-dry white wine, Oregon Pinot Noir, German Pinot, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Rioja, Mencia, Grenache, Spanish Rosado, Italian red, Chardonnay, Vouvray, Pinot Noir, Valpolicella Classico, Aglianico |
| Flavour notes | Sweetness, acidity, citrus, buttery, smooth, fruity |
| Price | Under $15 a bottle |
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What You'll Learn
Wine pairings for spicy chicken pasta
When pairing wine with pasta, it is best to focus on the sauce rather than the pasta itself. For instance, a tomato-based pasta pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine, while a vegetable-based pasta pairs well with a light, lemony, floral white wine.
If you're looking for wine pairings for spicy chicken pasta specifically, it is recommended to go for an off-dry white wine. The gentle sweetness of an off-dry white wine provides a nice balance to the heat of the dish, and the wine will emphasize the spices rather than try to overpower them. Examples of off-dry white wines include a German Riesling or a Spanish Albariño. If you're looking for a red wine to pair with spicy chicken pasta, it is recommended to go for a lower-alcohol, lower-tannin, higher-acid red. Higher alcohol levels tend to boost the heat of spicy dishes, which may be uncomfortable, and high tannins can come across as bitter. Examples of lower-alcohol, lower-tannin, higher-acid reds include an Oregon Pinot Noir.
It is worth noting that some people believe that no wine pairs exceptionally well with spicy food. However, if you are looking for a wine pairing for a spicy chicken pasta dish, the recommendations above should provide a good starting point.
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Chicken pasta with creamy sauces
When preparing the meal, you should first cook the chicken in a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but remember to pound the breasts out to help them cook faster and more evenly. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside and add butter, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic cloves to the skillet. You can also add shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Next, add the white wine, followed by heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Cook this mixture until the sauce thickens. You can use Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Riesling for the wine—these wines produce an excellent flavour for the sauce.
Finally, toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and serve immediately. You can garnish with olive oil, chopped parsley, and more Parmesan cheese. If you don't want to use alcohol, you can simply add more milk, tomato sauce, or water instead of wine. You can also substitute stock for white wine or use lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
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Chicken pasta with pancetta
When pairing wine with chicken and pasta, it is best to focus on the sauce rather than the pasta itself. For instance, a primavera pasta with its vibrant, springy flavours of vegetables goes well with a light, lemony, floral white wine. However, if tomatoes are added to the primavera, a light, lemony white won't be the best choice, and you would instead want to follow the wine pairing rules for tomato-based pasta.
Another wine that goes well with chicken pasta with pancetta is Nero d’Avola, a Sicilian wine made from grapes of the same name. You can also try Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato, another indigenous Sicilian grape.
If you prefer a lower-alcohol, lower-tannin, higher-acid red wine with your chicken pasta with pancetta, an Oregon Pinot Noir is a good choice. Its higher acidity provides a nice balance to the dish's spiciness, without boosting the heat or coming across as bitter.
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Chicken pasta with red meat
Chicken is a versatile meat, and its pairing with wine depends on how it is prepared and seasoned. Chicken pasta with red meat is a rich dish, and the wine chosen should complement the flavours of the dish without overwhelming them.
A good tip to remember is that the pasta itself is neutral, and the sauce is what brings the flavour. Chicken pasta with red meat likely has a tomato-based sauce, and a medium-bodied red wine with good acidity will work well. A Merlot, Côtes du Rhône, or a Spanish or French red are good choices. A Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel can also be considered, but be careful not to choose a wine that is too big or oaky. These wines will complement the roasted tomatoes and red meat, bringing out the best in every bite.
If you are looking for a white wine, a German Riesling or a Spanish Albariño are good choices, as the gentle sweetness of an off-dry white wine will provide a nice balance to the heat of the spices, and the wine will emphasise the spices rather than trying to overpower them.
Some other options for red wines are a Pinot Noir, especially an Oregon Pinot Noir, or a lighter Shiraz/Syrah.
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Chicken pasta with white meat
Dry White Wines
Dry white wines are a popular choice to pair with chicken pasta, specifically those made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris grapes. These wines offer a crisp and refreshing taste that complements the dish without overpowering it. The citrus notes in Sauvignon Blanc, for instance, can beautifully complement chicken dishes with lemon, garlic, or herbal flavours.
Aromatic Whites
If your chicken pasta has a spicy kick to it, consider pairing it with an aromatic medium-dry or off-dry white wine. A German Riesling or a Spanish Albariño can provide a gentle sweetness that balances the heat of the dish. The fruity notes in these wines can also complement the spices in your pasta.
Light-Bodied Reds
While white wines are typically favoured for chicken dishes, some light-bodied red wines can also work well. A Pinot Noir, for example, is a versatile choice that can complement both white and dark meat chicken preparations. Its lighter style ensures it doesn't overwhelm the dish.
Sparkling Wines
For a special touch, consider pairing your chicken pasta with a sparkling wine. The acidity and effervescence of Champagne or other sparkling wines can cut through the richness of certain chicken pasta dishes, providing a refreshing contrast.
Rosé Wines
Rosé wines, particularly dry varieties, can be a delightful option for chicken pasta dishes. They offer a balance between red and white wines, providing a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and personal taste preferences may vary. The beauty of wine and food pairing is in the exploration, so feel free to experiment with different wines to find your perfect match for chicken pasta with white meat!
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Frequently asked questions
The wine you choose will depend on your personal preference, the type of sauce, and the specific flavours in your dish. For instance, a light pinot noir or a Valpolicella Classico can complement the creamy richness of an Alfredo sauce. A pancetta Carbonara, on the other hand, calls for a wine with a fuller body and a hint of smokiness, like an Aglianico. If your pasta has a zesty, herb-based sauce, a crisp white wine or a Sicilian white may be a better pairing.
An off-dry white wine is a good option for spicy chicken pasta as its gentle sweetness balances out the heat of the dish. A German Riesling or a Spanish Albariño are recommended choices. If you prefer red wine, a lower-alcohol, lower-tannin, higher-acid red can also complement spicy pasta dishes. An Oregon Pinot Noir is a good option as its cooler climate results in higher acid levels.
The type of wine that goes well with chicken depends on the flavours and cooking method used. For example, fried chicken pairs well with the acidity and effervescence of champagne, especially those with zesty, citrus notes. Chicken dishes with lemon, garlic, or herbs are complemented by the citrus overtones of a Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay is recommended for creamy, rich chicken dishes like chicken pot pie or fettuccini Alfredo due to its buttery-smooth taste.
