This is one of those comfort foods that really takes me back. This dish is one that you will see throughout Atlantic Canada. Its sweet, spicy, creamy, and just a really tasty pasta dish. I can’t confirm that it has it origins here in Atlantic Canada, but from the research I have done it seems to be a true East Coast Classic. As such, you know I had to share my version of it!

A perfect mix of flavours

This Maple Curry Chicken Penne has a lovely mix of flavours. You have the gentle inviting spice from the curry paste and powder, which is rounded out by the homey sweetness of the maple syrup. This dish really is the perfect fusion of international food, and down home East Coast cooking. I really think you and your family will love this one!

Tips on making a good pasta sauce

One thing I learned while on Masterchef Canada was how to make a proper pasta sauce. The key is to add some of the pasta water that the pasta is cooked in to the sauce. The Italians refer to this as “Liquid gold”, as it really can make your pastas that much better. The salty, starchy water not only adds flavour but helps glue the pasta and sauce together; it will also help thicken the sauce. If you want sauce that hugs your pasta, be sure to add a ladle or two of that liquid gold into your sauce.

Let’s breakdown the ingredients!

This pasta really is half curry and half pasta. As such we follow some of the same process that we would when making a curry, but instead of serving with rice we mix in noodles and pasta water. Here is the list of ingredients you are going to need.

Penne pasta – I prefer to use whole wheat, but any penne will work great.

Coconut cream – The original recipes would use heavy cream, but I prefer to use coconut cream to make it dairy free and slightly lighter.

Yellow curry paste – Yellow curry paste is a milder curry and can be found in most major grocery chains in the international section. Usually in the Thai or Indian sections.

Curry Powder & Turmeric- Before sauting the chicken, I like to toss the chicken in curry powder and turmeric. I do this for two reasons, firstly it enhances the flavour and secondly it adds a lovely golden colour to the curry.

Maple Syrup – I love cooking with maple syrup. Must be the Canadian in me. I find it adds a mellow sweetness that I love.

Chicken Breast– Any kind of chicken will do, but I like the leanness of the breast for this dish.

Aromatics Garlic and onion are the foundational flavour elements

Spinach – I added in a couple handfuls of spinach for colour and for nutrients. Feel free to add more veggies into your pasta too!