Seared Chicken Thighs with Pumpkin Pasta

Prep Time: 15 mins  Cook Time: 25 mins  Serves: 8-10

This pasta dish combines seasonal flavors with delicious Smart Chicken boneless skinless chicken thighs. Seared chicken thighs are chopped and combined with pasta and topped with a flavorful pumpkin marinara sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. Smart Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 1 lb. Mini Lasagna noodles

  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (15oz) can pure pumpkin

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish

Directions

To prepare the chicken, heat oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until pieces have a nice colorful sear and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Cook pasta according to package.

For the sauce, blend together tomatoes, pumpkin, and all additional seasonings. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, stir, and reduce heat slightly, cooking for 5-10 minutes on a low simmer. Add heavy cream and season to taste. Pour sauce over noodles and top with chicken. Serve with shredded parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.