Pasta Chicken with Spice

Satisfy your cravings with this bold and flavorful Pasta Chicken with Spice recipe, a perfect fusion of tender, seasoned chicken and al dente penne pasta coated in a creamy, tomato-based sauce with a kick of heat. Infused with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a blend of spices like paprika, cumin, and red chili flakes, this dish offers a delightful balance of warmth and richness. The addition of heavy cream adds velvety smoothness, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves brings freshness and a gourmet touch. Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and irresistible meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 300 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 100 milliliters heavy cream
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 liters water
• 1 tablespoon salt, for boiling pasta

Directions

Step 1

Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the red chili flakes, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat through.

Step 8

Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra cheese or a pinch of chili flakes for added heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3397.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2587.2

Total Fat 96.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 445.8mg	0%
Sodium 10211.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 253.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.7g	0%
Total Sugars 16.3g
Protein 171.3g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 842.8mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 2626.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.7%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 39.6%