Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
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.
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
Calories: 649kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 30gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 564mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1118IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 2mg
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