This quick & easy chicken rose pasta features spaghetti noodles smothered in a tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, onion, and chili, and loaded with juicy chicken. This simple and indulgent pasta is so flavorful and decadent, it will instantly become a weekday favorite!
PROCESS:
- Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta until it’s al dente, then drain and set it aside.
- While that’s cooking, butterfly and marinate your chicken with Cajun seasonings, then pound it for tenderness.
- In a skillet, sear the marinated chicken in melted butter for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown, then set it aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped red onion and minced garlic, add chili flakes, and stir before mixing in tomato passata.
- Finally, toss in fresh spinach and the cooked pasta, simmer everything together, slice the chicken, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
Chili Flakes: For a bit of heat.
Chili Powder: Adds flavor and spice.
Mixed Herbs: A blend of your favorite dried herbs.
Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.
Pasta: Your favorite type of pasta works here.
Butter: For a rich flavor in the sauce.
Red Onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic Cloves, Minced: For great aroma and flavor.
Tomato Passata: Provides the base for the sauce (avoid using tomato paste).
Handful of Baby Spinach: For freshness and nutrition.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Red Chili Flakes: Adjust according to your spice preference.
Heavy Cream: For a creamy texture.
Salt to Taste: For seasoning.
Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For Marination:
- 1 Chicken Breast
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp mixed herb
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 300 g pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 small red onion, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups tomato passata (or puree or sauce-not tomato paste)
- Handful of baby spinach
- A pinch of sugar
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 pasta water
- 1/3-1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Wash the chicken breast properly and butterfly the chicken breast.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to tenderize it and marinate well with mentioned seasonings and keep inside fridge to marinate until you need to cook it.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- In a skillet or pan melt 1 tbsp of butter and add your marinated chicken and sear on high for 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Once done take the chicken out of the pan and in the same pan and melt 1 tbsp butter.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
- Once the butter is melted add chopped red onion and minced garlic and cook till onions turn translucent.
- Then add chili flakes and stir for few seconds.
Step 6: Add tomato Passata
- Next add 1.5 cups tomato passata or puree and mix.
Step 7: Add baby spinach
- Cook for 4-5 minutes and then add handful of fresh baby spinach and boiled pasta and simmer on low heat for 3 minutes.
Step 8: Final touches and Serve
- Next cut the chicken breast as per your preference and serve hot and enjoy!!
Tips and Notes:
- If you’re not sure how to butterfly chicken, watch a quick video or ask a friend. It helps the chicken cook evenly and faster.
- If you have extra time, let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight, for deeper flavor.
- Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water before draining. It can help loosen up the sauce later if it gets too thick.
- If you like it spicy, add more chili flakes to the sautéed aromatics or mix in some hot sauce to the tomato passata.
- Using fresh spinach and good-quality tomato passata can really elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- If you want to freeze leftovers, consider storing the chicken and pasta separately to maintain their textures.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Pair the dish with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
