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Overhead view of easy blush pasta with chicken thigh bites topped with Parmesan and parsley
Lindsay Lehrer

Easy Blush Pasta with Chicken Thigh Bites

Tender chicken thigh bites cooked in cast iron and tossed with pasta in a creamy tomato blush sauce. This easy, budget-friendly dinner feeds a family and leaves leftovers for lunch the next day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, American Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 575
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oil
Blush Sauce and Pasta
  • 1 sweet onion diced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 24 oz tomato sauce or seasoned marinara
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
  • 1 lb cavatappi pasta
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet (10–12 inch works best)
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Colander
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken thigh pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until soft and lightly caramelized.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, and heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the blush sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Top with chicken thigh bites, extra Parmesan, and fresh parsley before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful and are especially cost-effective when bought on sale.
  • This pasta reheats well and makes a great lunch the next day.
  • For a lighter sauce, half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream.