This easy creamy spicy chicken pasta recipe is simple, quick, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals. Bursting with flavors, this spicy chicken with pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy sauce.
Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy spicy chicken pasta recipe is simple but so good you will have it on rotation for weeknight dinner.
If you like spicy food, you will love this spicy pasta with chicken dish. The combination of spices adds tantalizing heat to the dish and the best part is that you can customize the spice level from mild to hot, or extra hot. The decision is yours. Just adjust the amount of cayenne or hot sauce used.
This spicy chicken pasta is easy to make and with this simple recipe, It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Chicken spicy pasta is versatile and can be eaten on its own as a complete meal or served with sides like roasted vegetables, boiled carrots, asparagus, or garlic bread.
With this creamy spicy chicken pasta recipe, the creamy sauce coats the pasta and chicken, creating a luscious and comforting dish that is filling and satisfying.
Only a few ingredients are required to make this pasta with chicken dish. Pasta, chicken, herbs, spices, and cream. The ingredients are budget friendly and easy to get.
Whether you're a spice enthusiast or just looking to add some excitement to your dinner, this dish delivers a fiery flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. With its easy preparation and versatile nature, spicy creamy chicken pasta is a go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy this flavorful and comforting pasta dish!
Related: Spicy chicken thighs, Spicy chicken drumsticks
Ingredients
The full ingredient quantities and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Pasta- I used Penne today but you can use other types of pasta such as rigatoni, spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, and fettuccine.
Chicken breast- Use boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs.
Onion- Chopped onions give this dish an amazing flavor.
Garlic- Freshly minced garlic is preferable but you can use frozen minced garlic or garlic paste.
Olive oil- Can be substituted for vegetable or sunflower oil.
Hot sauce or Cayenne pepper
Tomato puree- Some know this as tomato pasta.
Paprika- If no smoked paprika, use the regular one.
Italian seasoning- Mix of dried Parsley, rosemary, basil, and thyme, etc.
Onion granules and garlic granules- Can be substituted for the powder form.
Heavy cream- This can be substituted for cream cheese.
Parmesan cheese
Salt
Fresh parsley (For garnish) - Optional
How To Make Spicy Chicken Pasta
Here's a step by step directions on how to make spicy chicken with pasta:
Mix the Italian seasoning, onion granules, garlic granules, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels and season with half of the seasoning mix.
Place a skillet on medium heat, then add oil to it. When the oil is heated, add the chicken breast fillets and cook each side for 4-6 minutes or until browned outer, and the inside is no longer pink.
Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes then cut it into bite-size cubes or slices. Set aside.
Add water to a pot and bring to a rapid boil. Add salt, and pasta, stir, and cook according to the package instructions till Aldente. Reserve some pasta water, drain the pasta in a colander, and set it aside.
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the chopped onion and Sauté until the onions are soft then add the garlic, and fry until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree, and the remaining half of the seasoning.
Cook for 1-2 minutes then stir in the heavy cream. When the cream starts to bubble, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the chicken back into the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together until well combined.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness (Optional).
Take off the heat.
Serve and enjoy.
What To Serve With Spicy Chicken Pasta
Garlic bread or crusty bread rolls make a perfect accompaniment to mop up the delicious sauce.
Vegetables like roasted carrots, baked vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, and carrots pair well with the dish.
A side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
How To Store
If you have any leftovers, let it completely cool then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
In the microwave- Transfer spicy chicken pasta to a microwaveable plate, add a sprinkle of milk, cover, and microwave at high setting at 30 seconds intervals until it's warmed to your desired hotness.
On the stove- Transfer it to a pot or skillet, and add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to restore its creamy texture and cook till it is warmed through.
Tips for Making Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer milder flavors, start with a smaller amount of cayenne and hot sauce and gradually add more according to your taste. Remember, it's easier to add more spice later than to tone it down if it becomes too hot.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly minced garlic, chopped onions, and aromatic spices will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnishing.
- Marinate the chicken: For an extra burst of flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and adds depth to the dish.
- Don't overcook the chicken: To ensure juicy and tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Cook the chicken just until it is no longer pink in the center, as it will continue to cook when combined with the pasta and sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve some of the pasta water. Adding some of the pasta water to the sauce can help loosen the sauce to create a smoother and silkier consistency.
- Garnish with freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil, over the finished dish to add a pop of color and freshness. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the pasta can also provide a bright and tangy contrast to the spiciness.
- Remember, cooking is an adventure, so feel free to experiment and make this Spicy Chicken Pasta your own!
FAQS
The heavy cream and parmesan make the sauce creamy. If it's too thick or drying up you can add some o the pasta water to loosen it up and create a smoother, silkier consistency.
Absolutely! Chicken adds protein to pasta and combines to give different textures and create a complete meal that is nutritious, and delicious.
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cream cheese. You get creamy, delicious pasta.
Yes. As long as the chicken is cooked through before you consume it. The inside should no longer be pink and the internal temperature should be at least 165F.
TOOLS
Skillet
Pot
Cutting board
Plate
More Chicken Recipes
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Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Pot
- Skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
- 300 g (0.7lb) Chicken breast or thighs Boneless
- 300 g (10.5oz) Pasta penne, rigatoni, linguine, or any other
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Onion granules
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper or hot sauce or to taste
- ¼ cup Chopped Onions
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Tomato puree/paste
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- 1.5 tablespoons Olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Italian seasoning, onion granules, garlic granules, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels and season with half of the seasoning mix.
- Place a skillet on medium heat, then add oil to it. When the oil is heated, add the chicken breast fillets and cook each side for 4-6 minutes or until browned outer, and the inside is no longer pink.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes then cut it into bite-size cubes or slices. Set aside.
- Add water to a pot and bring to a rapid boil. Add salt, and pasta, stir, and cook according to the package instructions till Aldente. Reserve some pasta water, drain the pasta in a colander, and set it aside.
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the chopped onion and Sauté until the onions are soft then add the garlic, and fry until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree, and the remaining half of the seasoning.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes then stir in the heavy cream. When the cream starts to bubble, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness. Take off heat. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer milder flavors, start with a smaller amount of cayenne and hot sauce and gradually add more according to your taste. Remember, it's easier to add more spice later than to tone it down if it becomes too hot.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly minced garlic, chopped onions, and aromatic spices will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnishing.
- Marinate the chicken: For an extra burst of flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and adds depth to the dish.
- Don't overcook the chicken: To ensure juicy and tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Cook the chicken just until it is no longer pink in the center, as it will continue to cook when combined with the pasta and sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve some of the pasta water. Adding some of the pasta water to the sauce can help loosen the sauce to create a smoother and silkier consistency.
- Garnish with freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil, over the finished dish to add a pop of color and freshness. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the pasta can also provide a bright and tangy contrast to the spiciness.
- Remember, cooking is an adventure, so feel free to experiment and make this Spicy Chicken Pasta your own!
Nutrition
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