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Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe


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  • Author: Erin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This wholesome and filling dish starts with a flavorful sauce punctuated with fresh basil and garlic with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.  Add in some seasoned cooked chicken and toothy whole wheat penne and you have a complete meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup olive oil + 1 TBS olive oil, divided
  • 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and mined
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes, or more to taste
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 bunch fresh basil (1 packed cup of leaves), chopped
  • 1 12 ounce package dry whole wheat penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of sugar, optional

Instructions

  1.  In a large saute panheat the olive oil over a medium burner.  Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring a few times until starting to turn golden.  Add the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and basil.  Bring to a low simmer while proceeding with the rest of the recipe, stirring occasionally.
  3. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the penne and boil for about 9 minutes.  Drain in colander.
  4. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and use the smooth side of a meat tenderizer to pound thin.  Season both sides of the chicken with a few generous shakes of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  5. Heat the remaining 1 TBS of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until just done - don't overcook or it will dry out.
  6. Cut chicken into slices and add to the simmering sauce along with the pasta.  Let the sauce simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes or so.  
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.  If the sauce is too acidic for your liking, add the optional pinch of sugar to smooth out the flavor.  
  8. Serve warm and top with Parmesan and/or additional fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Recommended Equipment

5 1/2 quart stainless saute pan

Professional heavy duty colander

Gourmet meat tenderizer

Large stainless steel skillet

You can use regular pasta instead of whole wheat.  You can also use chickpea penne.

You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts or do a mixture of both.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
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