One of the first things that made me fall in love with my husband is his cooking! This man can make some incredible meals! The #1 requested meal in our house is his Sweetheart Chicken and Pasta. His recipe has always been TOP SECRET and the kids have begged for it.
This is comfort food in its purest form.
Boneless chicken breast is simmered in a blend of seasonings and Italian dressing, loading it with flavor. Then we add in our favorite marinara, more dressing, and more seasonings. Layering the flavors is key to this dish!
Traditional pasta dish? Nope.
If you are looking for a traditional pasta dish, keep scrolling. This is not traditional and was my hubby’s creation when he had time to explore the spice rack and the fridge. The end result? A flavor-packed pasta with so much umami flavor – you are gonna LOVE it!!!
Can I make this for a crowd? Yes!
This is a great pasta dish to make for a crowd! Just double the recipe. You can pour it into a large 9×13 pan, cover with foil, and keep it warm in the oven until you are ready to serve.
We have served this at many family dinners and it is always a huge hit!
How to Make Sweetheart Chicken and Pasta
Dice the onions and chicken.
Then heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, the onions and the garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add the chicken. Season with 1 tsp. of chili powder, ½ tsp. cumin, ⅛ tsp. ground red pepper, ¼ tsp. black pepper, and a ½ tsp. of salt. Add ½ cup Zesty Italian dressing. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through. Drain.
Now add one jar of marinara sauce, the remaining ¼ cup of Zesty Italian, an additional teaspoon of chili powder, ½ tsp. cumin, ⅛ tsp. ground red pepper and a pinch of black pepper. Mix together and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season liberally with salt. Add one pound of rigatoni and cook according to package directions. Drain and add back into the pot with a couple pats of butter. Stir well.
When the chicken and sauce are done, carefully pour it into the large pot of pasta. Stir together well. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Recommended
Sweetheart Chicken and Pasta
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. rigatoni
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast cubed
- Olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup zesty Italian dressing divided into ½ cup + ¼ cup
- 1 28 oz. jar marinara sauce
- 2 tsp. chili powder divided
- 1 tsp. Cumin divided
- ¼ tsp. ground red pepper divided
- ½ tsp. black pepper divided
- ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
Instructions:
- Dice the onions and chicken.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, the onions and the garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add the chicken. Season with 1 tsp. of chili powder, ½ tsp. cumin, ⅛ tsp. ground red pepper, ¼ tsp. black pepper, and a ½ tsp. of salt. Add ½ cup Zesty Italian dressing. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through. Drain.
- Add one jar of marinara sauce, the remaining ¼ cup of Zesty Italian, an additional teaspoon of chili powder, ½ tsp. cumin, ⅛ tsp. ground red pepper and a pinch of black pepper. Mix together and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season liberally with salt. Add one pound of rigatoni and cook according to package directions. Drain and add back into the pot with a couple pats of butter. Stir well.
- When the chicken and sauce are done, carefully pour it into the large pot of pasta. Stir together well. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!