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Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta

Creamy, flavorful spicy chicken pasta with tender chicken, garlic, parmesan, and a touch of heat – ready in just 30 minutes.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting: 2 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 620kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Large 12-inch skillet / sauté pan Best cast iron or stainless steel for searing chicken
  • 1 Large pasta pot (6 qt) Needed for al dente pasta
  • 1 Quality Chef’s Knife For safe, even cutting
  • 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula Gentle stirring, no scratches
  • 1 Garlic press / microplane For fresh minced garlic & parmesan
  • 1 Meat thermometer Ensures chicken reaches 165°F
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 set Measuring cups & spoons For precise seasoning

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Boneless chicken breasts Bite-sized pieces; thighs optional
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil For searing
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoky depth
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Flavor base
  • Salt & black pepper To taste
  • 12 oz Penne pasta Fusilli or rigatoni as alternatives
  • 3 tablespoon Butter Unsalted preferred
  • 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Flavor foundation
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Half-and-half for lighter version
  • 14 oz Crushed tomatoes San Marzano recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Chili flakes More for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or dried basil + oregano
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated melts better
  • Fresh basil Garnish
  • 0.5 cup Pasta water, reserved For sauce consistency

Instructions

  • Pat chicken dry; season with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
  • Heat oil, cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
  • Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente; reserve ½ cup water.
  • Melt butter, sauté garlic 30 seconds; add tomatoes, chili flakes, seasoning.
  • Stir in cream and parmesan; season with salt, pepper.
  • Return chicken and pasta to skillet; toss with sauce, adjust with pasta water.
  • Garnish with basil and parmesan; serve hot.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 350g | Calories: 620kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1450IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 3mg