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Chicken Cacciatore with Pasta

Chicken Cacciatore with Pasta
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This Chicken Cacciatore with Pasta recipe is a quick, hearty Italian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, and aromatic Italian herbs, served over your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in thighs for extra flavor or boneless breasts for a leaner option)

Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Garnish

  • 8 oz dry pasta (spaghetti, penne, or choice)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides to lock in juices and build flavor. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until onions are translucent and peppers soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the tomato sauce. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender, and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a bit of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta with sauce and chicken, adding reserved pasta water as desired to loosen sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and juiciness.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken to develop rich taste.
  • Simmer sauce gently on low heat to keep chicken tender and meld flavors.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore, Italian chicken recipe, one-pot meal, quick chicken recipe, tomato sauce chicken, pasta with chicken sauce

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