Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Penne pasta with chili-infused tomato sauce and seared chicken strips. A quick, hearty Italian-American dinner ready in 40 minutes.

# Ingredient list:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Chicken

03 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces)
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Chili Tomato Sauce

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
10 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
12 - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste
17 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# How-to:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to rest for 2 minutes, then slice into strips.
03 - In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and chili, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in the reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Toss cooked penne into the sauce until evenly coated. Top with sliced chicken strips or gently fold into the pasta.
07 - Transfer to serving dishes while hot. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you simmered it all day.
  • The spicy tomato sauce clings to every ridge of penne, so no bite is ever boring.
  • Seared chicken adds protein and makes it filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest crowd.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on who's at the table.
02 -
  • Don't throw away the pasta water; its starch is what makes the sauce cling instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Let the chicken rest after searing or all the juices will run out onto the cutting board and you'll end up with dry, sad strips.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the pasta; it should be slightly over seasoned on its own because the noodles will dilute it.
03 -
  • Use a wide saute pan instead of a deep pot so the sauce reduces faster and the flavors concentrate.
  • If you want a creamier finish, stir in a few tablespoons of mascarpone or heavy cream at the very end.
  • Toast the dried oregano in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the tomatoes to wake up its flavor.
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