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
Units
Scale
- 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