Oh, the joys of cooking Italian dishes! There’s something so comforting and inviting about tossing together fresh ingredients, letting the aroma fill your home, and knowing a delicious meal is just around the corner. One of my absolute favorites has to be chicken penne arrabbiata. It’s this gorgeous blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and that spicy arrabbiata sauce that brings the heat! Trust me, if you love a little kick in your meals, this dish is calling your name. The warmth of the chili flakes combined with the rich tomato flavor is just divine. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious chicken penne arrabbiata. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g penne pasta
- 300g chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced for that aromatic kick
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes for a rich sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, or more if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for a fragrant garnish
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and spice. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking; it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare chicken penne arrabbiata
Now, let’s get cooking! This chicken penne arrabbiata comes together in a snap, and I promise you, it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water for extra flavor! Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a splash of that pasta water; it can be a lifesaver later!
- While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for about a minute—this will help infuse the oil with flavor.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen—yum!
- Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn; we just want it fragrant and golden.
- It’s time to add the diced chicken! Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it’s browned and cooked through. You want those little chicken pieces to be juicy and tender.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red chili flakes, then season with salt to taste. Let this beautiful mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water!
- Finally, add the cooked penne to the skillet and give everything a good toss. Make sure the pasta is well coated in that spicy, rich sauce.
- Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!
And there you have it—a delicious chicken penne arrabbiata that’s sure to impress your family or any guests at your table. Enjoy every spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, bold flavors that pack a delicious punch.
- Hearty and satisfying, thanks to the chicken and pasta.
- Healthier option with lean protein and fresh ingredients.
- Customizable spice level—adjust the chili flakes to suit your taste.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
- Great for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
This chicken penne arrabbiata checks all the boxes for a fantastic meal that you’ll want to make again and again!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken penne arrabbiata absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the red chili flakes based on your spice tolerance—start with less if you’re unsure, and add more as you taste. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers—it’s a game changer!
Also, make sure your chicken is cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. And remember, letting the sauce simmer allows those flavors to deepen beautifully, so don’t rush it! Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to restaurant quality!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty dish like chicken penne arrabbiata, it’s great to know what you’re getting! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But it gives you a good idea of how satisfying and nutritious this dish can be, balancing flavors with wholesome ingredients!
Serving Suggestions
When you’ve got a plate of chicken penne arrabbiata in front of you, you’ll want to make the most of the experience! I love serving this dish with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette—it adds a fresh touch that complements the spiciness of the pasta perfectly. If you’re feeling indulgent, some warm garlic bread is a fantastic addition for scooping up that delicious sauce! And don’t forget a glass of red wine, like Chianti or a smooth Merlot, to really elevate your meal. Trust me, these pairings will take your dining experience to the next level!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your chicken penne arrabbiata? No worries! Here are some common ones I get asked:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic, you can substitute it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil adds a lovely touch, but if you’re out, dried basil works too! Just use about a teaspoon to keep the flavor balanced.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap the chicken for some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs a punch.
Is this dish spicy?
It definitely has a kick thanks to the chili flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to start with less and adjust to your liking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken penne arrabbiata is super simple! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a bit of olive oil to loosen the sauce and keep it nice and saucy. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and you’ll be right back to that delicious flavor in no time!
For more information on the health benefits of tomatoes, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit this NCBI study.
For tips on how to cook pasta perfectly, you can refer to this Serious Eats guide.
Imprimer
Chicken Penne Arrabbiata: 7 Spicy Delights Await You
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A spicy and flavorful pasta dish made with chicken and penne in arrabbiata sauce.
Ingrédients
- 200g penne pasta
- 300g chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and red chili flakes. Season with salt.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked penne pasta and stir well.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Adjust the chili flakes to your spice preference.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: chicken penne arrabbiata, spicy pasta, Italian chicken dish
