Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Italy! This Chicken Pasta Scarpariello is not just a meal; it's a symphony of flavors that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress your family or simply craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is your golden ticket to an unforgettable dining experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by half.
- Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it heat through.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness - 165°F is the magic temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Don't rush the deglazing process - those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are packed with incredible flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta piece perfectly.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using a mix of chicken thighs and chicken breasts to add variety in texture.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference - chop the parsley just before serving to maximize its aromatic impact.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, don't be afraid to increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
