Description
Maple Curry Chicken Penne is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with curry spices, simmered in a rich coconut cream and maple syrup sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make skillet meal combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes for a comforting and exotic dinner option.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 box penne pasta (375 grams)
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, julienned
- 1/4 cup yellow curry paste (red curry paste works too)
- 1 can coconut cream (approximately 13.5 oz/400 ml)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breasts with curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sauté Aromatics: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Prepare the Curry Sauce: Stir in the curry paste, coating the chicken evenly to "wake up" the flavors. Pour in the coconut cream and stir thoroughly until smooth, using the back of your spoon to help dissolve the curry paste. Then add the maple syrup and combine well.
- Toss Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked penne into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce clings well to the noodles. Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted. Season to taste with chilli flakes, extra salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the Maple Curry Chicken Penne hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it coat the noodles better.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, increase the amount of chilli flakes or use red curry paste instead of yellow.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for added aroma and color.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the pasta is gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-inspired with Western pasta)