Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce are a healthy, delicious, and easy meal. This recipe features protein-packed Banza pasta, tender chicken, and a spicy Calabrian chili sauce.
Hello, friend! Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce recipe. This dish is not your average weeknight meal; It is a delicious combination of Banza pasta, tender chicken, and a fiery Calabrian chili sauce that’ll awaken your taste buds.
It is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for those busy days when you crave a wholesome and delicious meal. So, let us get cooking!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to create this delicious dish:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Serving bowls
The Recipe
Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Banza chickpea pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup Calabrian chili sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Banza pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook in the skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst, about 3 minutes.
- Add Calabrian chili sauce and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked Banza pasta and spinach to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
- Divide the mixture among four bowls.
- Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Calabrian chili sauce to your desired spice level.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- For extra flavor, you can stir in a tablespoon of pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto at the end.
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Banza pasta | Any pasta variety |
| Chicken breasts | Shrimp or Italian sausage |
| Calabrian chili sauce | Harissa paste or red pepper flakes |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano or your favorite cheese |
What to Serve with Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce:
You can pair this delicious Banza Chicken Bowl with the following:
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store the components separately and reheat before assembling the bowls.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but Banza chickpea pasta is a good gluten-free and high-protein option.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze leftover Banza chicken bowls?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the pasta and sauce may change when thawed.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, the Calabrian chili sauce adds a good amount of heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can substitute it with a milder chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
