In the mood for a restaurant-worthy Italian-Inspired meal? This Quick Italian Chicken Paccheri Pasta recipe will take your pasta game to the next level. A quick and easy pasta recipe for those busy nights when you want a hearty, delicious Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This classic Italian dish is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a flavorful and savory sauce that will satisfy your cravings. This Italian Chicken Paccheri pasta is an excellent alternative to the classic spaghetti and meatballs. The combination of Italian seasoning, Sazón, and Carbone marinara sauce creates a bold and flavorful meat sauce that will elevate your marinara experience.

Carbone marinara sauce brings a tomato-based flavor to the dish that perfectly complements the sausage. Sazón seasoning is my secret ingredient that adds color and flavor to the pasta. It's a blend of spices commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine and a great addition to this recipe. You can also replace the seasoning with a package of McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Herbs & Spices. 

Paccheri, or pacceri,  pasta is a large, flat tubed noodle. It’s wider, but shorter than rigatoni. At the end of the day, a noodle is just a noodle! Feel free to use rigatoni in this Italian pasta recipe, or any other noodle that you like. Though I do recommend using a tubed noodle!

Lastly, grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor and that ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness everyone loves. It's the perfect finishing touch that ties all of the ingredients together.

Adding baby spinach incorporates some extra nutrition, vitamins, fresh and bright green color, and a serving of veggies. Spinach is a nutrient-dense green leafy vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron. It's an excellent way to sneak in some greens to your meal while making it a more balanced and wholesome meal.

The Secret to Best Italian Chicken Paccheri Pasta

The quality of ingredients used can make a significant difference in a dish's taste and overall enjoyment, and Quick Italian Chicken Paccheri Pasta is no exception. While the recipe calls for simple and readily available ingredients, using high-quality and homemade versions of each ingredient can take the otherwise bland chicken paccheri to the next level.

For example, high-quality Italian chicken sausage seasoned with herbs and spices can impart more depth of flavor to the dish, elevating it from a simple pasta dish to a more complex and savory experience. Similarly, a marinara sauce made with ripe, juicy, and fresh tomatoes can add a burst of bright acidity.

Additionally, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese can make a significant difference in the dish's overall taste, as it has a more robust and nuttier flavor than pre-grated cheese.

‍Why Chicken Sausage instead of Ground Beef

Replacing ground beef with chicken or turkey in this Italian dish is a simple way to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. Chicken and turkey are leaner meats that are lower in fat than beef, and fat-free turkey is your best bet if you are watching your weight. It makes them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their overall calorie and fat intake. I purchase the Italian Ground Chicken from Whole Foods. I use a mixture of Spicy and mild at times.

Chicken sausage also has a lower sodium content than beef sausage, which is important for those watching their sodium intake. A high sodium intake can result in high blood pressure and other health problems, so reducing your sodium intake is vital for maintaining good health.

How to make Italian Chicken Paccheri

With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this mouthwatering meal in no time. Whether a seasoned cook or a beginner, Quick Italian Chicken paccheri pasta is a must-try recipe that will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1-pound Mild Italian Chicken Sausage (removed from Casing) 
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces paccheri pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 Sazón package
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 24 oz Carbone marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (breaks down the acid flavor)
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 2/3 cup Grated Parmesan cheese  

Instructions:

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
2. Brown the chicken sausage by cooking for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
3. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt & pepper, sugar, Carbone sauce, Sazón, and chicken broth over the sausage and stir to combine.
4. Simmer the mixture over medium to medium-low heat and cook for up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
5. In the meantime, cook the paccheri according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Toss in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese and cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
7. Serve hot, topped with additional Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.

Why Sugar in paccheri pasta

One reason some people add sugar to their paccheri sauce is to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Tomatoes are naturally acidic, and adding sugar to the sauce can help to cut through that acidity and create a more balanced flavor profile. It can also help to reduce the bitterness that sometimes accompanies acidic tomatoes.

Another reason to add sugar to your marinara sauce is to help it thicken and caramelize. Sugar reacts with the natural acids in the tomatoes, causing them to break down and thicken the sauce. It can give the sauce a richer, more robust flavor.

‍Serving Suggestions

Quick Italian Chicken Paccheri pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few options to consider:

Salad - A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread - A warm and crusty loaf of garlic bread accompanies a bowl of pasta. You can make your own or buy pre-made garlic bread from the store.

Roasted Vegetables - Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers is a healthy and delicious side dish that complements pasta.

Caesar Salad - A classic Caesar salad is a perfect side dish for Quick Italian Chicken Paccheri, adding a crunchy texture and bright flavor to the meal.

FAQ’s

Can I use other types of pasta instead of Paccheri?

Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the package.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the meat sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine them just before serving. You may need to add extra broth or water to the sauce to help it loosen up after being refrigerated.

Can I freeze Italian Chicken Paccheri?

Yes, you can freeze the meat sauce separately from the pasta. Let the sauce cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove or microwave.

Enjoy!

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