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Sweetheart Chicken and Pasta

Belinda Bartholomew
Tender chicken is tossed in a seasoned marinara sauce with rigatoni. Packed with flavor, this will be on repeat in your kitchen!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6

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!
Keyword chicken and pasta, chicken riggies, Family-friendly, rigatoni
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