This is a very simple recipe. A pinch of chili powder transforms this from a simple chicken and tomato pasta recipe to something with a little more kick. If you want to use fresh chilies you can take your pick from any of them, using the kind of chili pepper you prefer. Ground chili powder also works, or try some chipotle for the slightly smoky flavor it imparts.
You can use any kind of tomato-based pasta sauce, either a very simple one or maybe tomato and herbs or even tomato and garlic. You could even use your own pasta sauce recipe if you have a nice one, perhaps something your mother or grandmother taught you to make. If you are in a rush though there is no problem using a jar of sauce instead. Some people like to use quite a lot of sauce while others prefer a light coating. In Italy not much sauce is used, and pasta is certainly not served swimming in sauce, so use your discretion as regards the ratio of sauce to pasta.
It makes sense to cook the pasta at the same time as cooking the sauce, then you can combine them at the end, rather than cook the pasta first and have it sitting in a colander getting cold and sticky. If the pasta is ready a minute or two early though, it really will not matter. Adjust the amount of chili if you want it spicier or milder, or even leave it out altogether if you do not want any heat in the dish.
Chicken with Fettuccine Pasta
Summary:
This lovely recipe is made with chicken, fettuccine, tomato sauce, and chili powder, to create a dish which is sweet, spicy and gorgeous served with a fruity Italian red wine.
Author:
Christine Szalay-Kudra
Cuisine:
ItalianRecipe
type:
PastaServes: 4
Prep time:
15 mins
Cook time:
20 mins
Total time:
35 mins
Ingredients
1 lb chopped chicken breast
1 cup water
¼ cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
1 lb fettuccine
Grated parmesan and fresh basil, to serve
Instructions
Prepare the fettuccine following the instructions on the package.
While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a pot.
Add the chicken and chili powder.
Cook, stirring all the time, until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through.
Pour in the pasta sauce and a cup of cold water.
Bring the sauce to a boil then simmer it for 10 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and stir it in.
Divide this mixture between 4 bowls.
Serve garnished with basil and sprinkled with parmesan.
Photo Description:
This excellent recipe is so simple to make. While your fettuccine pasta is cooking in one pot, you can prepare the sauce in another pot, which entails cooking chicken and then adding tomato sauce and chili powder. A little water goes into the mixture too, to help with the consistency, and then simmering it for 10 minutes thickens it back up. This tasty dish can be served with a salad on the side, or you could add some vegetables to the pasta dish itself if you prefer. Maybe you are using a pasta sauce with veggies in. Either way, finished off with parmesan and basil, this is an appealing and tempting dish.
