Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 lb (500g) Spiral or Cavatappi pasta.
- Protein: * 4–6 Chicken drumsticks.
- 2 Chicken breasts, sliced into strips.
- 4 Beef or chicken sausages (sliced into thick chunks).
- Vegetables: 1 Green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper (chopped).
- Sauce Base: * 2 tbsp Tomato paste.
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced).
- 1/2 cup Pasta water (reserved from boiling).
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of red chili flakes (optional).
- Cooking Oil: 2 tbsp Olive oil or butter.
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente.
- Pro Tip: Save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this helps the sauce stick to the noodles.
2. Sear the Chicken Drumsticks
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on all sides.
- Lower the heat, add a splash of water, and cover for 8–10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mix
- In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts and sausages. Sauté until the chicken is white and the sausages are lightly browned.
- Toss in the bell peppers and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
4. Combine and Glaze
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water to create a light, glossy sauce that coats the meat and vegetables.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well-coated.
5. Serving
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large bowl.
- Place the golden-brown drumsticks on top as the centerpiece, just like in your photo.
Quick Tip for Social Media:
If you are posting this, a great hook would be: “The Ultimate Protein-Packed Comfort Bowl.” It highlights the variety of meats and looks incredibly satisfying!
