Marry Me Chicken Ditalini

Method

1. 01
   Step 1Slice the onion

   Slice the onion in half and cut into thin slices.

   Onion
2. 02
   Step 2Prepare the spice mix

   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make a seasoning paste.

   Olive oilPaprikaOreganoGarlicSaltBlack pepper
3. 03
   Step 3Brown the shallot

   Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and cook until softened and translucent.

   Shallot
4. 04
   Step 4Add the aromatics

   Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until softened.

   Onion
5. 05
   Step 5Cook the cherry tomatoes5 min

   Add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until they begin to blister and burst, about 5 minutes.

   Cherry tomato
6. 06
   Step 6Add tomato paste1m 30s

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

   Tomato paste
7. 07
   Step 7Break down the tomatoes

   Using a wooden spoon, gently press and break down the cherry tomatoes to release their juices and create a chunky sauce.

   Cherry tomato
8. 08
   Step 8Add the cream

   Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.

   Heavy cream
9. 09
   Step 9Cook the chicken

   Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and coat with the prepared spice paste. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through.

   Note

   The chicken will release moisture as it cooks and absorb the sauce flavors.

   Chicken breastOlive oilPaprikaOreganoGarlicSaltBlack pepper
10. 10
    Step 10Boil the pasta

    While the sauce simmers, cook the ditalini pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water.

    Ditalini
11. 11
    Step 11Add the spinach1m 30s

    Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

    Spinach
12. 12
    Step 12Combine pasta and sauce

    Add the drained ditalini to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

    Ditalini
13. 13
    Step 13Finish and serve

    Season with red pepper flakes to taste. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

    Note

    This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

    Chili flakesOlive oil