Ingredients
For the Chicken:
½ pound boneless chicken breast
3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili flakes (reduce if you don’t like spicy)
Kosher salt, to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Pasta Dish:
½ pound rigatoni
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups spinach
¼ cup white wine
1 cup pasta water, to use as needed
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
1 cup coconut cream (or heavy cream)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, julienne sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon double concentrated tomato paste
4 fresh basil leaves
For Serving:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Chili flakes, to taste (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken:
Step 1
1. Cut the chicken into slices or cubes.
Step 2
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 4
4. Add chili flakes, oregano, and paprika, then add the chicken.
Step 5
5. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes or until browned. Set aside.
Step 6
Cook the Pasta:
Step 1
1. Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3
Prepare the Sauce:
Step 1
1. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat.
Step 2
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Step 3
3. Add the tomato paste and mix well.
Step 4
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the thyme, mix well.
Step 5
5. Pour in the white wine and cook until the tomatoes are well-cooked, about 5 minutes. If desired, remove the tomato skins.
Step 6
6. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water, season with salt and black pepper, and mix.
Step 7
7. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and mix well.
Step 8
8. Pour in the coconut cream (or heavy cream) and mix until combined.
Step 9
9. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with more pasta water as needed, and mix well.
Step 10
10. Add the chicken and mix, then Add the spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Step 11
11. Cook until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 12
12. Place the pasta in a pasta bowl.
Step 13
13. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and chili flakes, if desired.
Step 14
Serve immediately and enjoy!
