One Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• Red Pepper Sauce:
  • 1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fruity champagne or wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound boneless chicken, cubed
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (see note)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 cup grated manchego cheese (or Parmesan)
  • 1 pound short cut pasta
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 cup arugula

Instructions

1. Make the Red Pepper Sauce:

   • Combine roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, cherry tomatoes, garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt in a blender or food processor.
   • Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add cubed chicken, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
   • Add 1/4 cup grated manchego cheese and cook for another minute.
   • Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta:

   • In the same pot, add 3 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil.
   • Add pasta and cook, stirring often, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Do not drain the pasta water.
   • If needed, add additional water to help the pasta cook.

4. Combine and Finish:

   • Stir in the roasted red pepper sauce (you may not need all of it), remaining manchego cheese, and chopped basil.
   • Toss until the pasta is creamy and heated through.
   • Return the chicken and any juices to the pot, stirring to combine.

5. Serve:

   • Serve pasta topped with extra manchego cheese and fresh arugula.

Notes

• Italian Seasoning: Mix 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon dried sage for homemade seasoning.
• Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Tips

• For Extra Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Flavor Adjustments: Taste the sauce before combining with pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed.