Imagine a pasta dish that combines the perfect balance of heat, texture, and mouthwatering flavors - this World Cafe Spicy Bow Tie Chicken Pasta is about to become your new culinary obsession! With a tantalizing blend of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a kick of spicy marinara, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g bow tie pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup spicy marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they're slightly softened but still crisp.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet and stir to distribute evenly, releasing their spicy aroma.
- Pour the spicy marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken and peppers. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Don't overcook the chicken; golden brown edges mean maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use fresh basil as a garnish to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- For extra heat, don't be afraid to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Let the pasta rest in the sauce for a minute before serving to help it absorb all those delicious flavors.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
