Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients (28)

• penne or fusilli pasta400 g
• water
• salt1 tbsp
• olive oil1 tbsp
• boneless chicken breast or thigh500 g
• turmeric powder0.25 tsp
• chilli powder1 tsp
• cumin powder0.5 tsp
• garlic powder1 tsp
• salt0.5 tsp
• olive oil1 tbsp
• olive oil2 tbsp
• garlic6 clove
• green capsicum0.5 cup
• red capsicum0.5 cup
• orange or yellow capsicum0.5 cup
• mushrooms1 cup
• baby spinach2 cup
• turmeric powder0.25 tsp
• cumin powder0.5 tsp
• chilli powder1 tsp
• full cream milk2 cup
• whipping cream1 cup
• mexican blend cheese1.5 cup
• salt
• black pepper0.5 tsp
• mixed italian herbs or oregano1 tsp
• chilli flakes0.5 tsp

Method

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

3. 3

   Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

4. 4

   Set the pasta aside.

5. 5

   Season the chicken with turmeric powder, chilli powder, cumin powder, salt and garlic powder (if using).

6. 6

   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

7. 7

   Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

8. 8

   Remove from the pan and set aside.

9. 9

   In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil.

10. 10

    Add the crushed garlic and sauté until light golden brown.

11. 11

    Add the green, red and orange capsicums along with the mushrooms.

12. 12

    Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

13. 13

    Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.

14. 14

    Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin powder and chilli powder.

15. 15

    Cook the spices for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

16. 16

    Add the cooked chicken and mix well.

17. 17

    Pour in the full cream milk and whipping cream.

18. 18

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

19. 19

    Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.

20. 20

    Cover and simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

21. 21

    Stir in the Mexican blend cheese until completely melted and creamy.

22. 22

    Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

23. 23

    Taste and adjust the seasoning.