Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe: Zesty Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a delectable spicy chicken pasta can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

creamy sauces marry perfectly with tender chicken pieces and vibrant seasonings.

pasta lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that comes together in minutes.

Bold spices dance through each velvety bite, creating a memorable meal.

Robust flavors combine effortlessly, promising a culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Comfort meets excitement in this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Make this incredible pasta once, and you’ll find yourself craving its irresistible warmth and zesty kick.

Spicy Chicken Pasta That’s Quick and Full of Flavor

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whips up a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Quick and Customizable Spice Adventure: Easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences from mild to fiery hot.
• One-Pan Convenience Magic: Minimizes dishes and cleanup with a single skillet cooking method, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, restaurant-worthy pasta that saves time and effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines classic pasta with creamy sauce and tender chicken, creating a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, flavorful profile.

Spicy, Creamy Chicken Pasta Assembly Line

• Chicken: The star protein that provides hearty, tender meat for the dish. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results. Lean and easy to cook quickly.

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that holds the creamy sauce. Penne or fettuccine work great for catching sauce. Select a quality pasta for best texture.

Sauce Components:

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates rich and smooth sauce base. Full-fat cream gives the most luxurious texture. Use low-sodium broth for better flavor control.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated provides the best melting and flavor.

Spices and Seasonings:

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Delivers complex, spicy warmth to the dish. Each spice contributes unique flavor notes. Adjust quantities for personal heat preference.

Finishing Touches:

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh color and light herbal notes. Optional but recommended for visual appeal and flavor lift.

Spicy Chicken Pasta Creamy Cooking Method

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions.

Once perfectly al dente, drain and set aside while keeping a small cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté the spices for one minute to release their aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.

Stir ingredients together and let the sauce simmer until it slightly thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Marry Ingredients

Return chicken to the skillet and toss pasta into the creamy mixture.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

If sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to achieve perfect consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Top with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Pasta Tips for Creamy Spicy Chicken Sauce

• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance, from a gentle sprinkle for mild warmth to a generous pinch for fiery excitement.
• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for versatile meal adaptations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for maximum melting potential and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Chop chicken and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Spicy Chicken Pasta Storage

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacteria growth.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Incorporate a little extra cream or broth to help revive the sauce's creamy texture.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best quality and flavor.

Comfort Matches for Spicy Chicken Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's creamy, spicy profile, cutting through the richness while refreshing the palate.
• Herbaceous Green Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding fresh herbs like basil and parsley to contrast the pasta's bold, creamy flavors and provide a crisp textural counterpoint.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, creating a perfect crunchy accompaniment that soaks up the delectable sauce and adds extra depth to the meal.
• Fresh Cucumber Mint Cooler: Blend cucumber, mint, and sparkling water for a light, refreshing drink that neutralizes the pasta's spiciness and provides a clean, cooling sensation between bites.

Spicy Chicken Pasta Creamy Takes

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy, spicy profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, spicy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any shape like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe uses red pepper flakes, which provide a moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Use a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil.

• Can I prepare this chicken pasta ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheating gently before mixing.

Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spicy chicken pasta delivers a fiery flavor explosion that dances across your palate with Mediterranean flair. Silky noodles intertwine with zesty chicken, promising a culinary journey that satisfies intense cravings and delights your senses.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, ensuring a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly, preserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully introduce chicken pieces, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior while cooking completely through. Transfer the protein to a separate plate once done.
3. Utilize the same skillet without cleaning, melting butter to create a flavor foundation. Sprinkle aromatics including garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toast spices briefly to enhance their essential oils and fragrance.
4. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, cohesive liquid. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, gradually thickening and developing a luxurious consistency.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken and pasta into the simmering sauce, carefully coating each element with the creamy mixture. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated. If the sauce appears too dense, incrementally introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired texture.
6. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and sauce consistency.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save a bit of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Protein Swap Potential: Easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary needs and flavor preferences.
• Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes and spices to control heat level, making the dish mild or fiery hot according to personal taste.
• Lightening the Dish: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version without sacrificing creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg