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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.

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.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/spicy-chicken-pasta/