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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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