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Chicken Cacciatore Pasta

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Chicken Cacciatore Pasta is a rustic and hearty Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, then tossed with pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow or green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and slice.
  3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
  4. Add mushrooms and cook for another 3–4 minutes if using.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  6. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just stir it in at the end to warm through.
  • Add olives or capers for a briny flavor twist.
  • For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of cream or dollop of ricotta.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
  • Simmer longer for deeper flavor or reduce tomato paste for a lighter sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-cacciatore-pasta/