French Creole Orecchiette Recipe

Directions

1. 1

   Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Prepare the Ancho Chili Butter

   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the ancho chili powder and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.

3. 3

   Cook the Bacon

   In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

4. 4

   Blacken the Chicken and Shrimp

   In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the diced chicken and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

5. 5

   Sauté the Vegetables

   Add the minced garlic and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

6. 6

   Combine Everything

   Add the cooked orecchiette and crispy bacon to the skillet. Pour the ancho chili butter and lemon juice over the mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

7. 7

   Serve

   Serve the French Creole Orecchiette hot, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.