A cozy evening at home often calls for comfort food that warms the soul, and nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of creamy pasta. This Creamy Chicken in Spicy Tomato Sauce is a delightful blend of tender chicken and vibrant spices simmered in a luscious tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. The secret to its appeal lies in the perfect balance of flavors that meld together beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners with family and friends. It’s ideal for those craving a satisfying meal without too much fuss. You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time; just reheat and toss with freshly cooked penne before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines the creaminess of sauce with the zest of spices for a flavor explosion.
- The penne pasta provides a satisfying bite that complements the tender chicken.
- It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.
- The dish is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your preference.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make this dish:
For the Pasta
- 9 ounces penne
For the Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 14 ounces chicken fillets, cut into bite-size chunks
For the Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sambal oelek (more or less to taste)
- 5.5 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1 ¾ cups puréed tomatoes
- ½ cup cream, 20% fat
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan (more for serving)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Tomato paste can be substituted with regular tomato sauce if needed.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Olive oil can be replaced with vegetable oil.
- Chicken fillets may be swapped for turkey or tofu.
- Use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes if necessary.
- Cream can be substituted with a non-dairy alternative for a lighter option.
How to Make It
Follow these steps to create your delicious dish:
1. Boil
Boil penne in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup cooking water.
2. Heat
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Sauté
Sauté onion and garlic in the skillet for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, sage, and paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Deglaze
Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to pick up the brown bits.
5. Add Tomato
Add tomato paste and sambal oelek, stirring until well combined, and cook for 1 minute or until the mixture begins to darken.
6. Incorporate
Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they soften. Then add puréed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Finish
Stir in cream, Parmesan, and parsley, cooking for an additional 1 minute. If the sauce appears too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to achieve desired consistency.
8. Combine
Toss the sauce with the drained penne until well-coated. Taste and adjust with additional salt if necessary.
9. Serve
Divide the pasta among bowls, topping each with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, creamy sauces do not freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the chicken is well-browned for deeper flavor.
- Adjust sambal oelek according to your heat preference.
- Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor if you have them on hand.
- Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Perfect for a cozy dinner party or family gathering.
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