Spicy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Ignite your taste buds with this hearty Spicy Chicken and Spinach Pasta recipe—an irresistible combination of tender, golden-browned chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, this dish balances savory heat and rich, cheesy indulgence, thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan. Sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes and a garnish of fresh basil add a refreshing touch that elevates both flavor and presentation. Best of all, this restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Keywords: spicy chicken pasta, creamy spinach pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the Spicy Chicken and Spinach Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3380 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 162.8 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.7 g | 384% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 642 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 3642 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 283.4 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.8 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.9 g | ||
| Protein | 176.0 g | 352% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 754 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 23.1 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 2698 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
