Okay, let me tell you, this Spicy Chicken Pasta? It’s like the gourmet version of mac and cheese, but with a fiery kick. I swear, every time I make it, the aroma alone brings the whole family running to the kitchen! It’s got that creamy, comforting pasta thing going on, but then BAM! The spice hits you, and it’s just… *chef’s kiss*. Seriously, if you love a good creamy pasta dish but are looking for something with a little more pizzazz than your average Alfredo, this is it. It’s way more exciting than plain spaghetti, that’s for sure!
What is a spicy chicken pasta?
Think of Spicy Chicken Pasta as a cozy, comforting hug with a little bit of attitude. It’s essentially pasta (duh!) tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce with juicy pieces of chicken. The heat usually comes from things like chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of hot sauce, depending on how brave you’re feeling. It’s basically the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s not just a regular pasta; it’s an *experience*. You know, the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.
Why you will love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? The biggest reason I keep coming back to this recipe is the flavor. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy. The creaminess soothes, the chicken satisfies, and the spice? Well, that just keeps you coming back for more. What I love most is how unbelievably easy it is to make! This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen. We’re talking 30 minutes, tops! Plus, it’s super budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are usually pretty inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. And it’s so versatile! You can adjust the spice level to your liking – more for me, please! – or swap out the chicken for shrimp or even sausage. If you like recipes like Cacio e Pepe, but want something a bit more substantial, and exciting this is perfect.
How can I make Spicy Chicken Pasta?
Quick Overview
Making this Spicy Chicken Pasta is way easier than you might think. Basically, you’re going to cook the pasta, sauté the chicken with some spices, whip up the creamy sauce, and then toss everything together. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all done in one pot (well, mostly), so cleanup is a breeze! And the secret to the best flavor? Don’t skimp on the spices! That’s what gives this pasta its signature kick. Trust me, you’ll be surprised how simple it is to create something so incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I always go for thighs because they’re juicier than chicken breasts, but you can use breast if you want. How do you make sure not to overcook your veggies?
* 1 tbsp olive oil. Extra virgin, of course! Is there any richness in cooking with olive oil?
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. This adds a lovely smoky depth to the chicken.
* 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!). Start small and add more if you want more heat.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper, it really brings out the flavour.
For the Pasta:
* 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape). I love using penne because the sauce gets all up inside the tubes.
* 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened. Make sure it’s *softened*! If you don’t have enough fat to put it in a sauce, it will not get into the sauce
* 1 cup heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce so rich and decadent!
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly Grated is always best!
What is the secret ingredient in pasta water? The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is key here. The jarred stuff just doesn’t compare.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. For a pop of freshness and colour.
* Season generously with salt and pepper.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. What is the best way to drain pasta water?
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Add the Cream Cheese and heavy cream to a large skillet. Stir to combine. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. The pasta water helps to create a lovely, glossy sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately. What are some good side dishes to serve with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes? I always like to add a little extra parsley to my salad.
What should I serve it with?
What is a complete meal? What are some good ideas?
For a light lunch:Serve with a simple side salad with light vinaigrettes. What is the acidity of vinaigrette?
What is the best way to host a dinner partyWhat are some good side dishes to serve with garlic bread and roasted vegetables? What is the best garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce?
As a Potluck Dish:What is the best pasta to serve at a potluck? Is it safe to cook in a slow cooker or chafing dish?
For a Romantic Night in:What are some good ways to enjoy pasta with a glass of wine? What is the perfect comfort food for a night out?
We always have garlic bread when we have this dish, it’s a must! I love crusty bread with a lot of garlic.
How do I make Spicy Chicken Pasta?
Let’s talk about tips. I’ve made this Spicy Chicken Pasta countless times, so I have learned a few tricks along the way.
Chicken Prep:Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the chicken. What is the best way to reduce the temperature of a pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of browning? Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Spice Adjustment: What Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, start with just a pinch and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet. This will help it melt more easily and prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy.
Pasta Water: Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! This is the key to a creamy, glossy sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t compare.
Parsley: Add the parsley at the end of cooking to preserve its freshness and color.
I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice, it helps balance the creamy richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Spicy Chicken Pasta:
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for any longer than 2 hours. The cream cheese and chicken aren’t at their best after that point!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It will still be delicious!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Divide it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Advice: To reheat, simply microwave the pasta until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My Spicy Chicken Pasta recipe – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, this one’s a keeper! It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a great dish to bring to a potluck, and a surefire way to impress your friends and family. The best thing about this recipe is that it’s totally customizable. Feel free to experiment with different spices, vegetables, or proteins to make it your own. It’s also great cold the next day, that’s if you can resist eating it all!. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tomato Pasta or my Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe. Happy cooking!
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta cooked al dente
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
