Save This Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a vibrant Italian-American dish that brings a bold kick to your dinner table. Combining tender penne with a zesty chili-infused sauce and perfectly seared chicken, it offers a satisfying balance of spice and savory sweetness that is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the layering of flavors. By seasoning the chicken with smoked paprika before searing and simmering the tomato sauce with dried oregano and a touch of sugar, you create a rich, complex profile that perfectly complements the heat of the fresh red chili.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta, salt for boiling water
- Chicken: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Chili Tomato Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 red chili (finely chopped), 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sugar, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil, 40 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles and set them aside.
- 2. Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side. Let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing into strips.
- 3. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and chili, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Simmer the Sauce
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
- 5. Adjust Consistency
- Stir in the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce thickness and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- 6. Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked penne into the sauce until well coated. Top with the seared chicken strips or fold them directly into the pasta.
- 7. Garnish
- Serve the dish hot, topped with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, always cook your pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the hot tomato sauce. Using a heavy-bottomed sauté pan will help the sauce simmer evenly without scorching the tomato paste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who enjoy extra heat, you can increase the amount of fresh chili or drizzle the finished dish with chili oil. If you prefer a different protein, grilled shrimp or pan-fried tofu make excellent substitutes for the chicken strips.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of the zesty tomato sauce.
Save Whether you are cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta delivers a restaurant-quality experience with simple, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy the warmth and zest of this Italian-American classic!
Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the penne until al dente by following package instructions precisely. Taste a minute or two before the suggested time. Reserve pasta water before draining to stop the cooking process immediately.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Start with half the chili and taste as you cook. Add more fresh chili, chili flakes, or finish with chili oil for extra heat. You can also remove chili seeds for milder flavor.
- → What's the best way to sear chicken until golden?
Use medium-high heat and ensure the skillet is hot before adding oiled chicken. Avoid moving the pieces for the first 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip only once and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → Why do we reserve pasta water?
Starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky coating on the noodles. It also allows you to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during simmering.
- → Can I make substitutions for the chicken?
Yes. Grilled shrimp works wonderfully with the chili-tomato sauce and cooks quickly. Crumbled tofu or white beans are excellent vegetarian alternatives with similar protein content.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore sauce consistency. The dish doesn't freeze well due to pasta texture changes.