Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Cacciatore Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of Italian chicken cacciatore with the satisfying bite of pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, as it delivers hearty portions of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce, all wrapped in a delicious pasta. The best part? It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be prepared in just under an hour, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and weekend feasts.

The term “cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and the dish is said to have originated from the countryside where hunters would make use of wild game like rabbit or chicken, simmering it in a flavorful sauce with tomatoes, wine, herbs, and vegetables. Today, Chicken Cacciatore has become a popular comfort food that can be served over pasta, polenta, or rice. In this recipe, we bring the classic dish into the modern world with the addition of pasta, turning it into a delicious, hearty one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply craving a cozy meal, Chicken Cacciatore Pasta is a fantastic choice. With tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and pasta that soaks up all the delicious juices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cacciatore Pasta

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta makes this a filling and comforting dish that is perfect for satisfying hunger and warming up on a cold night.
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is made with tomatoes, red wine, garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs that create a deep, rich flavor. It’s tangy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect pairing for the chicken and pasta.
• Simple Ingredients: This dish uses easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a great way to make a flavorful, homemade meal without needing to hunt down hard-to-find ingredients.
• One-Pot Meal: With chicken, vegetables, pasta, and sauce all coming together in one pot, this dish is perfect for easy cleanup. Plus, everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
• Customizable: Chicken Cacciatore Pasta can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or use different types of pasta for a unique twist. You can also substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a richer, juicier cut.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550-600 calories per serving (depending on the portion size and ingredients used)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 60-65g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cacciatore:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
• Salt, for boiling the pasta water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, you can either leave them whole or cut them into large chunks for quicker cooking. Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a juicier, richer meat. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure it sears well when cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Don’t worry if the chicken is not fully cooked through at this stage—it will continue to cook in the sauce later.

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step helps develop flavor and gives the chicken a nice crust.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until they soften and become fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini (if using), and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

4. Deglaze the Pan

Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the red wine (or chicken broth if you prefer not to use wine) to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where a lot of flavor resides. Let the wine cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

5. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar (if using), then bring the sauce to a simmer.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, return the browned chicken breasts (or thighs) to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it is partially submerged. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). If you used chicken thighs, they may need a few more minutes to cook properly.

7. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside for a moment. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the cacciatore sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, adding a little bit of the pasta water will loosen it up and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

9. Serve and Garnish

To serve, divide the pasta among individual plates, making sure to top each serving with a generous portion of the chicken and sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. The cheese adds a rich, savory finish to the dish and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cacciatore Pasta

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: For even more depth of flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. While this will add a bit more time to the cooking process, the bones impart extra richness to the sauce.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the sauce. Mushrooms, olives, or spinach are all great options that add more texture and flavor to the dish.
• Substitute the Wine: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or vegetable broth. The wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, but the broth will still create a flavorful base.
• Slow Cooker Version: To make this dish even easier, you can prepare it in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the cooked pasta just before serving.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also serve the dish with a dash of hot sauce on the side.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor. Let it cook for at least 15 minutes before adding the chicken back in, but feel free to let it simmer longer if you have the time.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations of Chicken Cacciatore Pasta

• Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta: For a comforting twist, serve the chicken cacciatore over creamy polenta instead of pasta. The polenta will soak up the rich sauce and complement the tender chicken.
• Chicken Cacciatore with Roasted Potatoes: If you want to keep things gluten-free, serve the chicken cacciatore with roasted potatoes instead of pasta. The potatoes will pair well with the sauce and soak up the flavors beautifully.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, replace the chicken with a hearty vegetable like eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Follow the same method, cooking the vegetables in the sauce, and serve over pasta for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Spicy Chicken Cacciatore: Add some extra heat by tossing in a few extra red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for a more robust flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Cacciatore Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Cacciatore Pasta

• Garlic Bread: The rich tomato sauce calls for a side of buttery garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the sauce.
• Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a lemony vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken cacciatore pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans make for a great side dish, adding color and nutrition to the meal.
• Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with Chicken Cacciatore Pasta, complementing the rich flavors of the sauce.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Cacciatore Pasta is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of savory ingredients, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables makes it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and rich flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, Chicken Cacciatore Pasta is guaranteed to satisfy and impress!