Chicken Shawarma Pasta Recipe: A Delicious Fusion for Ramadan

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique dish that combines the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with the comfort of Italian pasta, then Chicken Shawarma Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines the traditional shawarma, a beloved Middle Eastern street food, with the heartwarming goodness of pasta, creating a fusion that is both delicious and satisfying. The Chicken Shawarma Pasta is an ideal dish to prepare during Ramadan, as it is a filling and flavorful meal that can be served for both Iftar and Suhoor. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to prepare this incredible dish that brings together the savory spices of chicken shawarma with creamy pasta for a meal that everyone will love.

What is Chicken Shawarma?

Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that consists of seasoned meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, which is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and cinnamon, which gives it its signature smoky and savory flavor. Traditionally, the meat is served in pita bread or flatbreads along with vegetables, sauces, and sometimes fries. However, in this Chicken Shawarma Pasta recipe, we’re giving the classic shawarma a modern twist by incorporating it into a pasta dish.

Why is Chicken Shawarma Pasta Perfect for Ramadan?

During Ramadan, the body requires energy and nourishment after a long day of fasting. This Chicken Shawarma Pasta recipe is a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats that can help keep you energized throughout the evening and night. It’s also a hearty dish that combines the warming spices of shawarma with the comforting feel of pasta, making it a satisfying choice for both Iftar (the evening meal that breaks the fast) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). The creamy texture of the pasta paired with the spiced chicken offers a wholesome and flavorful meal that appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Pasta

Para fazer esta deliciosa Chicken Shawarma Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:
- 500g chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 colher de sopa de suco de limão
- 1 colher de chá de cominho em pó
- 1 colher de chá de paprika
- 1 colher de chá de coentros em pó
- 1 colher de chá de alho em pó
- 1 colher de chá de açafrão-da-índia moído
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
Para a Massa:
- 300g pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli works well)
- Salt (for boiling the pasta)
For the Shawarma Pasta Sauce:
- 1 xícara de creme de leite
- 2 tablespoons tahini (for a Middle Eastern flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 colher de sopa de extrato de tomate
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 colher de chá de alho em pó
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the sauce ingredients)
Opcional Guarnições:
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped tomatoes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Pine nuts (for added texture)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Shawarma Pasta

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. The following steps will guide you through preparing Chicken Shawarma Pasta that is perfect for Ramadan.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized strips for easy cooking and marination.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth marinade.
Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss them until the chicken is fully coated with the spice mixture.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, marinate it overnight for even more intense flavor.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use in the sauce.
Set the cooked pasta aside, and keep it warm while you prepare the shawarma chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken Shawarma

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet and cook them for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown color.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Make the Shawarma Pasta Sauce

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the garlic powder and cumin over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth (or water) and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a minute or two.
Pour in the heavy cream and tahini, and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken Shawarma

Add the cooked pasta and the chicken shawarma back into the skillet with the creamy shawarma sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
Let the pasta and chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Chicken Shawarma Pasta to a serving platter or individual plates.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Optionally, you can add a sprinkle of pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Why Chicken Shawarma Pasta is Perfect for Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for family, reflection, and delicious food. As Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, the evening meal becomes an important moment for gathering, sharing food, and nourishing the body after a long day of fasting. Chicken Shawarma Pasta offers a unique blend of comfort, protein, and flavor, making it a great addition to your Ramadan table.

Protein-Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and energy. After a long day of fasting, you’ll need a good amount of protein to replenish your body, and chicken is a great way to do this.
Saudável e de Enchimento: Pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are an excellent source of energy. Combining chicken with pasta offers a filling meal that will keep you energized through the night.
Flavorsome: The spices in the chicken shawarma—cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon—are not only aromatic but provide warmth and comfort, making this dish perfect for the evening hours of Ramadan.
Personalizável: Whether you want to add vegetables, switch up the pasta, or even make it spicier, Chicken Shawarma Pasta can be adapted to your tastes. You can also add a yogurt-based sauce or even top it with some tahini to further enhance its flavor profile.

Conclusão

Chicken Shawarma Pasta is the perfect dish to enjoy during Ramadan. Its blend of Middle Eastern spices with Italian pasta makes for an incredibly flavorful and filling meal that everyone in your family will love. The creamy shawarma sauce complements the seasoned chicken beautifully, and the pasta adds a comforting texture. Whether you’re preparing it for Iftar or Suhoor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your Ramadan menu. So, why not give this recipe a try? You can bring the flavors of the Middle East into your home in a new and exciting way, making this Ramadan even more special.