Zesty Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Whipping up a delectable spicy chicken creamy pasta with sun-dried tomatoes can transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Flavors dance together in this mouthwatering dish that promises comfort and excitement.

creamy sauces blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary that makes everyone excited to gather around the table.

Boldness meets simplicity in this recipe that combines classic ingredients with a zesty twist.

Each bite delivers a symphony of rich, spicy notes balanced by smooth, velvety textures.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this incredible culinary creation.

Creamy Pasta + Sun-Dried Tomatoes Pairings

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing spicy chicken with its bright, citrusy notes and refreshing acidity.
• Create a Side Salad Companion: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or ciabatta slathered with herb-infused butter helps soak up the delicious sauce, adding textural crunch and complementary flavors.
• Match with Fruity Red Sangria: Chilled Spanish-style sangria with mixed berries and orange slices offers a sweet, cool counterpoint to the spicy chicken, creating a vibrant dining experience.

Creamy Chicken Pasta With New Additions

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken for grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms to create a plant-based protein-packed meal that's equally satisfying.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious sauce and spicy flavors intact.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. You can also choose mild paprika instead of hot paprika to control the heat level.

• Is it okay to use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe works great with penne or fettuccine, you can substitute with linguine, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can. If using dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon as a replacement for fresh basil. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use sparingly.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Each will slightly change the sauce’s thickness and richness, but will still create a delicious creamy texture.

Here’s Why Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta Excites

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious pasta in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Quick Customization Magic: Easily adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes, allowing everyone to enjoy their perfect heat intensity.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• One-Pan Convenience Champion: Prepare the entire meal in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor by using the same pan for chicken, sauce, and pasta.

Creamy Pasta with Spicy Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent protein that adds heartiness to the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation, lean and tender meat works best.

• Pasta: Carbohydrate base that absorbs creamy sauce, medium-sized pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well, choose high-quality pasta for better texture.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquid base that creates rich sauce, use full-fat cream for smoothest texture, low-sodium broth recommended.
• Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Provides depth and richness, use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor, real butter preferred over margarine.
• Tomato Paste, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds concentrated tomato flavor, select high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best taste.

• Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that creates complex flavor profile, adjust heat level to personal preference, fresh garlic recommended.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use kosher or sea salt for better taste, freshly ground black pepper preferred.

• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Optional herb toppings that add freshness and color, use fresh herbs for best flavor, can be interchangeable.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken, choose extra virgin olive oil for better flavor, ensure high-quality oil.

Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Cooking Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain the pasta, keeping one cup of the starchy cooking water on the side.

Set the pasta aside for later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches complete doneness.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.

Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into delicate strips.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes liquid gold.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for a minute, releasing its aromatic charm.

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Tomato paste
• Red pepper flakes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble and thicken for 4-5 minutes.

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Chicken

Slide the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, twirling to ensure every strand gets coated.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Gently fold in the sliced chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Pasta Tips for Spicy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Let the cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to keep it juicy and prevent moisture loss.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.
• Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps create a silky, clingy sauce and can thin out thick cream-based sauces instantly.
• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly in the pan to intensify their rich, concentrated tomato flavor before adding other sauce ingredients.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains a creamy texture.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Storage

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Freeze the pasta without basil in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes brings zesty Italian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Bold flavors and creamy textures blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, submerge pasta, and cook according to package guidelines. Drain the pasta, preserving one cup of starchy liquid for potential sauce adjustment, then set aside.
2. Create a robust spice blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with this aromatic mixture.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a golden crust for approximately 5-7 minutes until completely cooked. Transfer chicken to a resting surface, then slice into elegant strips once cooled.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and introduce butter. Sauté minced garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen, approximately one minute.
5. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, letting them caramelize and release their concentrated flavor for 2-3 minutes.
6. Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes to create a luxurious sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes velvety.
7. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the sauce’s depth.
8. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. If the sauce appears dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
9. Add sliced chicken to the pasta, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly.
10. Plate the dish, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
• Reduce heat intensity by cutting back on cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder version that’s kid-friendly.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat texture.
• Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a healthier sauce without compromising creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg