Description
This Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a deliciously indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy, flavorful sauce with a spicy kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is packed with layers of flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Salt for the pasta water
- For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the sliced chicken and toss again to combine.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, try using garlic-infused olive oil when sautéing the chicken.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a variation.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of pasta with chicken
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg