Spicy Marinara Sauce

Spicy Marinara Sauce

Today we are going to be taking a look at a KILLER Spicy Marinara Sauce.  Nothing says Italian Cuisine more than a classic tomato marinara sauce.  Nowadays we are saving time by opening those bottled or canned marinara sauces at the cost of flavor.  Who makes the best spicy marinara sauce?  I have to say that the best marinara sauce is the one you slow cook at home!

Most American’s have no idea what true, homemade marinara sauce tastes like.  So let me be your genuine Italian Guido and fix that.  NEVER EVER buy canned marinara sauce again.  It’s expensive, you lose flavor and nutrients, and this one tastes much much better.

Sure it will add some time to your day, but YOLO right?  Why waste your life with crappy marinara sauce?

Now this recipe is going to take some time, so buckle up partner, I never said it would be easy, I just said that it would be worth it.

Check out our Rattlesnake Bites Copycat Recipe to pair with this marinara.

Killer Marinara Sauce

Killer Marinara Sauce

A classic tomato sauce with a spicy kick that is not overpowering. This will be an instant classic in your home and can be made in large batches and saved for later.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 Cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 6 Peeled Vine Ripened Tomatoes
  • 5 Cloves garlic diced finely
  • 3 leaves Basil diced
  • 1 small Onion diced finely
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • Tomato Paste
  • 2 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions
 

  • Take your tomatoes and steam them for 10-15 minutes. This is to release the skin from the tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and set aside.
  • Heat up the oil and saute the onion for about 5-6 minutes on medium heat. Add the Basil, Garlic, and Spices and add the tomatoes one by one smashing them with a potato masher or your hands, whichever you prefer.
  • Let the pot simmer for as long as you can let it simmer. Normally, this is about an hour so that all the flavors can marry.
Keyword Sauces

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Alfredo Pasta

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Alfredo Pasta

Today, we are going to take a look at an amazing recipe for my favorite pasta dish, the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Alfredo Pasta from The Cheesecake Factory.  This thing is loaded with flavor (and calories) so keep that in mind.  It is super simple to prepare, even though there seem to be a lot of moving parts, it all comes together in the end.  It is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet and savory.

Introduction to The Cheesecake Factory

If you have never been to The Cheesecake Factory, you are definitely missing out.  The huge menu is rather intimidating at first, but you soon realize that most of the menu is Cheesecake.  I think that is why the Cheesecake Factory is so well-liked.  No matter what everyone is craving, there is something for everyone.  From Cuban Sandwiches to Asian Salads, to Burritos there is something for even the pickiest of eaters.

What is the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta from The Cheesecake Factory?

Made using Penne Pasta, the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta has Chicken breast sauteed in honey.  The sauce is a unique sauce made from Alfredo and Chipotle peppers in Adobo Sauce.  This gives it a beautiful mild kick that you crave as well as a deep smokey flavor.  The sweetness of the honey combined with the spice of the sauce makes an amazing dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Make sure to check out how to make the Salad Dressing from the Olive Garden or how to make a Cuban Classic, Picadillo, which is a cheap and flavorful addition to your families dinner rotation.

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Alfredo Pasta

A spicy chicken pasta with chipotle flavors with a sweet undertone. A sure crowd pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 Chicken Breasts cut into cubes about 1/2"
  • 1 pound Penne Pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1 Can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce pureed
  • 1 Yellow Pepper chopped
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion
  • 4 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas
  • 1 pound Fresh Asparagus
  • 6 ounces REAL Parmasean Cheese

Optional

  • Cilantro
  • Tortilla Stip Chips

Instructions
 

Prepare Vegetables and Pasta

  • Add the asparagus to the pasta water and boil for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender. 
  • Pull out the asparagus and run under cold water to shock it and stop it from cooking.
  • Add your pasta to the water and remove when al-dente, normally 12-13 minutes rolling boil.
  • Combine lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chicken and let it marinade. 
  • Prepare your skillet with butter on medium heat. 
  • Add bell peppers and onions. 
  • Leave on the heat until translucent, stirring occasionally to make sure they do not char, then add the garlic cloves, saute for 1 minute.

Cook Chicken and Serve

  • Remove the veggies and add olive oil to your skillet
  • Add chicken to the pan and turn the heat up to medum-high. 
  • Keep on the heat until browned on all sides. 
  • Add in the honey and stir until the honey loosens up. 
  • Add the bell pepper mix. 
  • Puree the Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can and set aside.
  • Brown the chicken on both sides and remove from heat.
  • Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then add all other ingredients (Veggies, Adobo, Pasta)
  • Make a basic Alfredo sauce (Butter, Parmesan, Heavy Cream, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder) and add in the Pureed chipotle peppers. Let it come to a simmer. Add your frozen peas to thaw in the sauce.
  • Add sauce, pasta, chicken in your pot adding the asparagus last or as a garnish. Add Cilantro or parsley and grated Parmesan as a topper. Tortilla strips if you want to be really authentic.
Keyword Copycat Recipe, The Cheesecake Factory