Are you ready to ignite your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Firecracker Pepper Chicken Pasta! This Italian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a fiery kick from hot sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a meal that’s as exciting as it is delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Get ready to experience a culinary explosion that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, season chicken breast slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour hot sauce over the chicken and peppers. Stir to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, consider using penne or fusilli to catch the sauce and add a delightful texture to each bite.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and gradually add more to reach your desired level of heat.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserving and using pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and peppers.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh bell peppers and garlic for the best flavor. The crunch of fresh peppers adds a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to your dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
