Spicy Chicken Pasta
Turn up the heat on your dinner table with this bold and flavorful Spicy Chicken Pasta! This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that’s infused with the perfect kick of red chili flakes and paprika. Tossed with al dente pasta, vibrant red bell peppers, and fresh baby spinach, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness. Topped with Parmesan cheese and aromatic basil, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this Spicy Chicken Pasta is a hearty and satisfying crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 quarts water for boiling pasta
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red chili flakes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir in the baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Reduce heat to low and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy your Spicy Chicken Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
681 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.1 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 155 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1003 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 290 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 615 mg | 13% | |
*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.
