Craving comfort food with a bit of heat? This Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta is here to save your dinner time. Creamy, savory, with a touch of spice, this pasta combines tender chicken, rich cream, and just the right amount of heat to make your taste buds dance. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and the ultimate quick weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy & Spicy: The perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone at the dinner table will love this satisfying dish.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for a trip to the grocery store for obscure items.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (the full list is at the end):
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) for protein-packed flavor.
- Pasta (your favorite shape—penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work great).
- Heavy cream for that dreamy, velvety sauce.
- Garlic and onion for rich aromatics.
- Red pepper flakes to add just the right amount of heat.
- Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty finish.
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- Salt & pepper to taste.
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. - Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is boiling, season your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil or butter, then cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove from the pan and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). - Add Spice & Cream:
Stir in red pepper flakes to taste, and then pour in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water a spoonful at a time until you reach the desired consistency. - Add Cheese:
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to coat the pasta evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or red pepper flakes if desired. - Serve:
Plate your creamy spicy chicken pasta, garnish with more Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley if you like, and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in this dish.
- Save some pasta water: Adding reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling better to the noodles and balances the consistency.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added texture and color.
- Swap Proteins: You can easily replace chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, paired with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with:
- A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
- Fresh garlic bread or toasted baguette for dipping.
- A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to balance the heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the sauce’s smooth consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time, and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Combine and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with plant-based options like mushrooms, tofu, or plant-based chicken substitutes.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works with any pasta shape—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are all excellent choices.
4. How spicy is this dish?
The spice depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Start with a small amount and add more if you like more heat.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta is a quick weeknight dinner that combines comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of heat. Creamy, savory, and totally satisfying, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a simple but impressive meal.
Print
Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken is coated in a rich, spicy cream sauce and served with pasta, making it a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550-600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg