2cupswhole grain based pastaI used whole wheat pasta
1lbboneless skinless chicken breast or thighcut into bite size pieces
4piecesmedium to large tomatoes diced into small
1/3cupcashewssoaked in 1/2 cup warm water for at least 1 hr
1red bell pepper diced into small pieces
leavesa handful of fresh basil
1onion finely diced
1 1/2tspmixed Italian spice mix
2tbspfinely chopped parsley
1tspminced garlic
1/4cupparmesan cheese
2tspolive oil
salt and pepper
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 6-8 min or until all water evaporates. Keep aside once cooked.
In the same pan add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for about 30 sec on medium heat.
Add onion and cook until translucent for about 2-3 min.
Then add tomatoes and cook covered for about 10-15 min on low heat
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside
Prepare cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with water in a blender to a fine creamy paste
Add red bell pepper, Italian spice mix, cashew cream, salt and pepper to the tomato sauce and cook for another 10 mins. Adjust consistency of the sauce if necessary*.
Now add cooked pasta, chicken, parmesan cheese and roughly chopped fresh basil; mix well. Adjust seasonings if necessary, according to your taste. Cover and simmer for another 2-3 min.
Finally, garnish with chopped parsley, some extra parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Notes
Soak cashews well in advance 2. *To adjust consistency of the creamy sauce consider adding some milk according to your requirement.