Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness. The tender chicken adds protein, while the creamy sauce, made with a mix of spices and a touch of cream, coats the pasta perfectly. The kick from the spices (you can adjust it to your liking) adds depth and excitement to the dish without overwhelming the flavors. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that you can make in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

For the pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)

  • Salt for pasta water

For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the chicken:

  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.

  4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Continue to simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce:

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

  2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss again until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

5. Serve:

  1. Serve the Spicy Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

  • Extra spicy: Add more cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a chopped fresh chili for extra heat.

  • Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cream substitute (like coconut cream) and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover Spicy Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring in between intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use beef, shrimp, or even turkey as a substitute for chicken. Adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.

2. How do I adjust the spice level?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even fresh chili peppers. Start with a little, taste, and add more if you prefer a spicier dish.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just combine them with the cooked pasta and heat through.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like—spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne all work well with this creamy sauce.

5. Can I make this dish without cream?

If you want to make a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. The sauce will be less creamy but still delicious.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reduces. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker consistency.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta, and make sure the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

While the pasta may lose its texture when frozen, you can freeze the sauce and chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

9. How do I keep the chicken tender?

To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Cook it until it’s just browned and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.

10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra texture and flavor. Stir them in with the pasta and sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness. With tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and the perfect amount of spice, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. It’s quick, customizable, and satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you like it mild or fiery, this recipe is easy to adjust to your spice preferences, making it an ultimate go-to meal for spice lovers


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Spicy Chicken Pasta

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Spicy Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, spicy seasonings, and creamy pasta in a rich, savory sauce. With the perfect balance of heat from cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, and creaminess from a rich sauce, this dish is a satisfying and customizable meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or any occasion when you’re craving something flavorful and spicy.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

  • Salt for pasta water

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
    Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
    Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    Add red pepper flakes (if using) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
    Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
    Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Continue to simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

  • Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss again until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

  • Serve:
    Serve the Spicy Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

  • Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra fiery kick.

  • Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream substitute (such as coconut cream) and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

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