Add Chicken Recipe
Make Add Chicken Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Method
Pasta
- 1
Prepare pasta water and cook pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz dried pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- 2
Prepare and season chicken
While water heats, pat 1 lb chicken breasts dry. If very thick, butterfly or pound to even thickness (~1/2-inch). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- 3
Cook chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small splash of olive oil if needed. When hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into 1/2-inch strips or bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Prepare aromatics
In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil for the sauce if pan is dry. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
- 5
Make tomato sauce
Stir in 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water) to loosen the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Finish sauce
If you want a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer 1–2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon butter (optional) until melted and sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- 7
Combine pasta, chicken and sauce
Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently over low heat until pasta and chicken are evenly coated and heated through, 1–2 minutes. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce so it clings to the pasta.
- 8
Serve
Divide into servings. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.