Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients: 

• 2 tbsp olive oil  
• 1kg chicken thigh, diced 
• 1.5 tbsp paprika 
• 1 tbsp garlic powder 
• 1 tbsp onion powder 
• 3 tsp oregano  
• Salt + pepper 
• 1 onion, diced 
• 3 garlic cloves minced 
• 200g cherry tomatoes 
•  2 tbsp tomato paste 
• ¼-1/2 cup stock 
• ¼ cup light cream 
• ¼ cup cottage cheese, blended  
• 120g spinach 
• 375g pasta of choice  
• ½ cup parmesan 

Method: 

1. Season the chicken: Coat the diced chicken in Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside for at least 10 minutes so the flavours absorb. 
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat a fry pan over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. 
3. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through. 
4. Create the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cherry tomatoes, letting them cook down for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the light cooking cream and blended cottage cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. 
5. Add the spinach: Toss in the spinach and let it wilt completely into the sauce. Reduce heat to low to keep warm. 
6. Cook the pasta: Prepare your pasta according to packet instructions. Reserve some pasta water, then drain. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, using the pasta water to loosen and emulsify the sauce until glossy and well-coated. 
7. Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with fresh parmesan.