Description
This creamy pasta dish features al dente spaghetti coated in a rich, velvety sauce. The sauce is crafted from sweet roasted red peppers, blended with a classic Alfredo base for a smooth texture and vibrant color. Tangy goat cheese and savory Parmesan are incorporated into the sauce, offering a complex flavor profile. Tender pieces of chicken breast are nestled within the pasta, and the dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper, providing a fresh aromatic lift.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully transfer the roasted red pepper mixture to a blender. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth.
- Pour the smooth sauce back into the skillet. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional crumbled goat cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, roast your own red peppers at home until charred and tender.
Always reserve some pasta water; it’s essential for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce.
Adjust the amount of goat cheese to your preference for tanginess.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 720
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 45g