Farfalle with spicy sauce

Farfalle with Spicy Sauce: An Explosion of Flavors and Textures

If you're looking for a quick, delicious recipe full of personality, you've come to the right place! Farfalle with spicy sauce is a pasta dish that perfectly combines the juiciness of chicken with the bold flavors of the spicy sauce. This recipe promises to turn a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Before we begin, let's indulge in some interesting information about farfalle. These pasta, also known as "butterflies" due to their distinct shape, have a long history, being used in various dishes from international cuisines. Farfalle are ideal for denser sauces, so our spicy sauce will be perfectly complemented by their texture.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g farfalle
- 2 red onions
- 300 g chicken (breast or boneless thighs)
- 1 chili pepper (or more, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato purée)
- 3 tablespoons of hot ketchup
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of oregano

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to flavor the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the farfalle and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. They will continue to cook a bit after you take them off the heat, so don't let them boil too long.

2. Preparing the spicy sauce: While the pasta is boiling, you can work on the sauce. Chop the red onions into small cubes and sauté them in olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Here, you can add a pinch of salt to help release the juices from the onion.

3. Adding the chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes for even cooking. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is golden and well cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Enriching the sauce: Add the chopped chili pepper, tomato paste, and hot ketchup to the pan. These ingredients will transform the sauce into an explosion of flavors! Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes for all the flavors to meld. You can add oregano for an extra flavor boost, but adjust the amount to your taste.

5. Combining the pasta with the sauce: Once the farfalle are ready, drain them and add them to the pan over the spicy sauce. Gently stir to ensure an even distribution of the sauce over all the pasta. Let them sit on the heat for 1-2 minutes to warm up and combine perfectly.

6. Serving: Farfalle with spicy sauce is delicious served immediately, sprinkled with a bit of freshly chopped parsley and a tablespoon of grated parmesan, if you like. They can be accompanied by a simple green salad or a crunchy baguette to complete the meal.

Useful tips:
- Choose ingredients carefully: Opt for quality chicken, preferably from local sources. This will significantly influence the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the spice level: If you're not a big fan of spicy foods, you can reduce the amount of chili pepper or omit the hot ketchup. Instead, you can add a splash of honey to balance the flavors.
- Variations: You can experiment with various ingredients, such as adding vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or you can replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, and whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates that will give you the energy you need throughout the day. Onion and chili pepper also bring additional health benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamins.

Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
2. How can I make the sauce creamier? You can add a splash of cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! These farfalle keep well in the fridge and can be easily reheated.

Farfalle with spicy sauce is an excellent choice for a quick dinner during the week or for a special meal with friends. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the wave of spicy flavors! I assure you will want to repeat it again and again!

Enjoy your meal!