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Homemade Johnny Carino's Skilletini on my kitchen table, Zoomed overhead image shot.
Antonio Morelli

Johnny Carino's Skilletini Recipe

Johnny Carino's Skilletini Recipe is a hearty Italian-American pasta dish made with juicy chicken, smoky Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, garlic, marinara sauce, and spaghetti. This easy one-skillet dinner delivers restaurant-style flavor right at home with simple ingredients and bold comfort-food taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 4 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:;
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil
Optional Ingredients:
  • Mushrooms
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Spinach
  • Jalapeños

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Cook spaghetti until al dente. and reserve some pasta water for further cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the Italian sausage, then remove it from the pan. Cook sliced chicken until golden and fully cooked.
  3. Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until slightly soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly.
  4. Pour in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Return sausage and chicken to the skillet. Add cooked spaghetti and toss everything together until coated in sauce.
  6. Mix in parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Add reserved pasta water if required.
  7. Serve hot in a sizzling skillet with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.

Notes

  • Cast-iron skillets create the best restaurant-style finish.
  • Do not overcook the pasta because it continues cooking in the sauce.
  • Add heavy cream for a creamy Skilletini variation.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.