Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and ribs removed, diced
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and ribs removed, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or less to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 1 lb pasta, cooked al dente (short pasta such as bowties, wheels, elbows, etc.)
  • salt and pepper

Method

  • Add olive oil and butter to a 12-inch skillet and heat on medium-high until butter is melted and combined. Add in the onion, red peppers, mushrooms, and jalapeno, and cook until the vegetables are softened, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste, cayenne, paprika, and cumin and cook for 3 or 4 minutes until it is heated through and fragrant. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
  • Add in the chicken, parsley, and chives. Turn the heat down to low and allow to simmer while the pasta cooks. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring water to boil in a large pot. Salt the water just before dropping the pasta. Cook as directed on pasta container. Drain.
  • Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and combine.