The Comfort Spoon

 

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Moroccan-Spiced Chicken & Chickpea Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Adventure

Hey there, friend! Let me ask you a question: Are you stuck in a dinner rut? You know the one—where you cycle through the same five recipes on autopilot, dreaming of something that feels exciting and new, but without the stress of a complicated, hours-long project? If you’re nodding your head, then you, my friend, have come to the right place. I’m so thrilled to share this recipe with you today because it’s the absolute perfect solution to that exact problem.

Picture this: tender pieces of chicken, cozy chickpeas, and sweet penne pasta, all swirled together in a skillet that’s singing with the warm, fragrant spices of Morocco. We’re talking cumin and coriander for that earthy depth, a whisper of cinnamon for a touch of mystery, and a little kick from paprika (and maybe a dash of cayenne, if you’re feeling bold). Then, we wake it all up with a brilliant zip of lemon zest and the sweet little pops of golden raisins. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that somehow feels both wildly exotic and deeply comforting, all at once.

This isn’t just another pasta dish. This is a 30-minute culinary vacation right from your stovetop. It’s proof that you don’t need a pantry full of obscure ingredients or fancy techniques to create a meal that’s truly memorable. So, if you’re ready to break the routine and fill your kitchen with the most incredible aromas, grab your favorite skillet. We’re about to cook up something truly amazing together.

A Taste of Marrakech in My Midwest Kitchen

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This recipe has a special little story, as all the best ones do. It was born from a seriously serious craving. A few years back, my husband and I spent an evening watching a food documentary that featured the bustling night markets of Marrakech. The screens were filled with sizzling tagines, piles of vibrant spices, and the most incredible-looking flatbreads. We were absolutely mesmerized. When the credits rolled, we looked at each other and sighed, “I wish we were there, eating that.”

But, with a busy week ahead and a definite lack of plane tickets to Morocco, I did the next best thing: I raided my own pantry. I had chicken, a can of chickpeas, and some trusty penne pasta. The magic started with my spice drawer. I started pulling out the warm, earthy jars—cumin, coriander, cinnamon—and the idea just clicked. I tossed them with the chicken, added some raisins for that traditional sweet note, and finished it all with a bright squeeze of lemon. The moment we took that first bite, we were transported. It wasn’t the night market, but it was our own little delicious adventure, and it’s been a Reynolds family favorite ever since. It’s a reminder that you can find a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of flavor, right where you are.

Your Flavor-Packed Ingredient Lineup

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life. Don’t be intimidated by the spice list—these are likely staples in your cupboard, and they work together in the most beautiful, harmonious way.

• 12 oz Penne Pasta: I love penne here because the little tubes hug the sauce and chickpeas perfectly. But any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work wonderfully!
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Our cooking fat of choice, adding a subtle fruity base.
• 1 lb Chicken Breast or Thighs, cubed: Thighs will give you a richer, more forgiving flavor, but breasts are lean and fantastic, too. Use what you love!
• 1 tsp Cumin: The heart of the dish. It’s earthy, warm, and quintessentially Moroccan.
• 1 tsp Ground Coriander: Cumin’s best friend! It has a subtle citrusy, floral note that balances the earthiness.
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon: Don’t skip this! It adds a warm, sweet complexity that makes the dish truly special.
• 1/2 tsp Paprika: For a gentle smokiness and that beautiful red hue.
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne (optional): This is our “volume knob.” Add it for a gentle warmth, or leave it out for a completely mild dish.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: The essential flavor enhancers. Be generous!
• 1 small Onion, diced: Our aromatic base, building a foundation of sweet, savory flavor.
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced: Because what’s a fantastic dish without garlic? It adds that necessary punch.
• 1 can (15 oz) Chickpeas, drained and rinsed: For plant-based protein and a wonderfully hearty, creamy texture.
• 1/3 cup Golden Raisins: Trust me on this! They plump up in the sauce and create little sweet surprises that cut through the spices.
• 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes: They create the body of our quick and easy sauce. I like the fire-roasted kind for an extra layer of flavor!
• Zest of 1 Lemon: The secret weapon! The zest (not the juice) adds a powerful, fragrant citrus aroma without making the sauce acidic.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Parsley: For a fresh, green finish. Cilantro would also be a fantastic, bold swap!
• Optional: Crumbled Feta for topping: The salty, tangy creaminess of feta is a dream against the warm spices. Highly recommend!

Let’s Make Some Magic: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to see how this all comes together? It’s a straightforward process, but I’ve packed each step with my favorite chef hacks to ensure your success.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Pro-Tip: Just before draining, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water! We might use a splash of it later to bring our sauce together. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sear the Spiced Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat your cubed chicken dry with a paper towel (this is the secret to a good sear!) and add it to the hot skillet. Immediately sprinkle all the spices—the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper—right over the chicken. Why season now? Coating the chicken in the spices as it cooks toasts the spices and sears that flavor directly onto the meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Flavor Base: In that same, now-flavor-packed skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. You’re scraping up all those delicious browned spice bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor! Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Sauce: Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the drained chickpeas, and the golden raisins. Give everything a good stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 8-10 minutes. This isn’t just about heating things through; this is where the magic happens as the raisins plump up, the tomatoes break down, and the flavors deeply meld together.
5. The Grand Finale: Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Stir in the cooked penne pasta, the lemon zest, and the fresh parsley. Toss everything together until it’s perfectly combined and heated through. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help it cling to the pasta. Give it one final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if it needs it.

How to Serve This Sunshine-on-a-Plate

This dish is a vibrant feast for the eyes as much as the palate! I love serving it family-style, right out of the warm skillet in the middle of the table. The steam rising, carrying all those incredible aromas, is part of the experience. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous handful of crumbled feta cheese. The salty, creamy feta is the perfect counterpoint to the warm, spiced sauce. For a complete meal, a simple side of lemony arugula salad or some warmed pita bread for dipping is absolutely divine.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Recipe Twists

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Don’t be afraid to play and adapt it to what you have or what you’re craving.

• Go Meat-Free: Simply omit the chicken and add an extra can of chickpeas or a cup of cooked lentils for a fantastic vegetarian meal.
• Swap the Protein: Ground lamb or turkey would be incredible here, cooked and crumbled in place of the chicken.
• Creamy Dreamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the very end for a richer, silkier sauce.
• Green Power: Add a couple of big handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale in the last two minutes of simmering to wilt and boost the greens.
• Different Dried Fruit: Not a raisin fan? Chopped dried apricots or dates would be a wonderful substitute.

Anna’s Kitchen Notes & Stories

This recipe has seen many iterations in my kitchen! The first time I made it, I was a little shy with the spices, but over time I’ve learned that being bold is the way to go. Don’t be afraid of that cinnamon—it’s what makes people go, “Wow, what is that amazing flavor?!”

One of my favorite kitchen memories involves this dish. I was making it for a friend who claimed she “didn’t like weird food.” I just told her it was my “special spiced chicken pasta.” She devoured two helpings and then asked for the recipe, only later realizing she’d happily eaten (and loved) chickpeas and raisins! It just goes to show that sometimes, the best culinary adventures are the ones that sneak up on you. This dish has become my go-to for potlucks and new parents because it travels well, reheats like a dream, and feels like a big, warm hug.

Your Questions, Answered!

Q: My sauce seems a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
A: No worries, this is an easy fix! Pasta can vary, and sometimes it soaks up more liquid. The solution is that magical pasta water I had you save. Just add a splash (start with 1/4 cup) and toss it through. The starch in the water will help create a silky sauce that clings to every piece. If you didn’t save any, warm tap water or a tiny bit of chicken broth will work in a pinch.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tiny splash of water to the skillet or bowl to loosen it up as it warms. The flavors meld even more, making the leftovers something to look forward to!

Q: I’m not a fan of spicy food. Is this dish still for me?
A> 100% yes! The “spice” here refers to aromatic spices, not heat. Simply leave out the cayenne pepper. The blend of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon is warm and fragrant, not spicy-hot. It’s a completely family-friendly flavor profile.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A> Of course! While penne is my top pick, any short pasta with nooks and crannies is perfect. Think fusilli, rotini, cavatappi, or even orecchiette. I’d avoid long strand pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t hold the chunky sauce as well.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Serves 4)

Calories: ~460 | Protein: ~35g | Carbs: ~45g | Fat: ~15g
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. The optional feta cheese is not included in this calculation.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it all the way down here, friend, then you already know just how special this Moroccan-Spiced Chicken & Chickpea Pasta truly is. It’s one of those rare weeknight wonders that feels comforting and familiar, yet adventurous enough to pull you right out of a dinner rut. Every bite is a little celebration—warm spices, tender chicken, sweet pops of golden raisin, bright lemon zest, and that hearty pasta that ties it all together like a hug in a bowl.

What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it brings a little spark of magic to an ordinary evening. No plane ticket, no complicated techniques—just a skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and a willingness to let your kitchen smell absolutely incredible for half an hour. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a quiet household hero, the one you reach for when you want something cozy, vibrant, and just a touch unexpected.

I hope this bowlful of sunshine brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Whether you share it with friends, family, or savor it solo on a cozy night in, may it inspire more little culinary adventures and more flavor-filled moments in your own kitchen. Happy cooking, my friend—here’s to warm spices, big comfort, and delicious journeys close to home.