Ingredients
Scale
To create this beloved dish, gather the following ingredients, which Mama Lou always had on hand:
- 1 pound of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist, and adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Instructions
Creating this dish is a joyful process, reminiscent of those lively afternoons in Mama Lou’s kitchen. Let’s get started:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the peppers are tender and the spices are fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve your pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth of shared stories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International

