Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta: The ULTIMATE Weeknight Recipe

Why You Will Love This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you crave after a long day. It brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s also incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s on the table in under an hour. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

What makes this version so special? The secret is in the sauce. It’s rich and creamy, with a delightful kick of spice. This recipe takes the best elements of a rattlesnake pasta recipe and makes it even better! The juicy chicken adds protein. The perfectly cooked pasta ties everything together. The combination is simply divine.

spicy creamy chicken pasta - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spicy Creamy Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil packed, drained and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
  • Water and salt for boiling pasta
spicy creamy chicken pasta - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is coated thoroughly.
  3. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the chicken until it’s cooked and slightly browned. This usually takes 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
  7. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes, parsley, and sriracha. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
  11. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

This spicy creamy chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own. Serve it hot and fresh, right from the skillet. For a more elegant presentation, portion the pasta into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Consider pairing it with a simple side salad. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta. Crusty garlic bread is another great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

How to Store This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas! And if you love pasta, check out our creamy tomato pasta recipe! We think you’ll love it!

Tips to Make This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha. You can always add more later.
  • Use high quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Opt for fresh herbs, good quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful sun dried tomatoes.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
  • Don’t skip the roux: The roux is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it properly so it doesn’t taste floury.

Helpful Notes for This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rotini, fettuccine, and bow tie pasta all work well.
  • Sun dried tomatoes: If you don’t have oil packed sun dried tomatoes, you can use dry packed ones. Rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping.

Variation of This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Seafood: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood version.
  • Different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or mozzarella.
  • Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

Why You Will Love This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you crave after a long day. It brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s also incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s on the table in under an hour. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

What makes this version so special? The secret is in the sauce. It’s rich and creamy, with a delightful kick of spice. This recipe takes the best elements of a rattlesnake pasta recipe and makes it even better! The juicy chicken adds protein. The perfectly cooked pasta ties everything together. The combination is simply divine.

spicy creamy chicken pasta - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spicy Creamy Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil packed, drained and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
  • Water and salt for boiling pasta
spicy creamy chicken pasta - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is coated thoroughly.
  3. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the chicken until it’s cooked and slightly browned. This usually takes 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
  7. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes, parsley, and sriracha. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
  11. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

This spicy creamy chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own. Serve it hot and fresh, right from the skillet. For a more elegant presentation, portion the pasta into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Consider pairing it with a simple side salad. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta. Crusty garlic bread is another great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

How to Store This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas! And if you love pasta, check out our creamy tomato pasta recipe! We think you’ll love it!

Tips to Make This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha. You can always add more later.
  • Use high quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Opt for fresh herbs, good quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful sun dried tomatoes.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
  • Don’t skip the roux: The roux is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it properly so it doesn’t taste floury.

Helpful Notes for This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rotini, fettuccine, and bow tie pasta all work well.
  • Sun dried tomatoes: If you don’t have oil packed sun dried tomatoes, you can use dry packed ones. Rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping.

Variation of This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Seafood: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood version.
  • Different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or mozzarella.
  • Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

How can I make spicy creamy chicken pasta healthier?

To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, and opt for low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for the sauce. Load up on vegetables like spinach or bell peppers!

What kind of chili should I use in spicy creamy chicken pasta?

The type of chili depends on your heat preference! For mild spice, use chili flakes or a small amount of chili powder. If you like it hot, consider using fresh jalapeños or a hotter chili pepper.

Can I make spicy creamy chicken pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them and heat through.

What are some good side dishes to serve with spicy creamy chicken pasta?

A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or steamed vegetables also make great additions to the meal.

Why You Will Love This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you crave after a long day. It brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s also incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s on the table in under an hour. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

What makes this version so special? The secret is in the sauce. It’s rich and creamy, with a delightful kick of spice. This recipe takes the best elements of a rattlesnake pasta recipe and makes it even better! The juicy chicken adds protein. The perfectly cooked pasta ties everything together. The combination is simply divine.

spicy creamy chicken pasta - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spicy Creamy Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil packed, drained and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
  • Water and salt for boiling pasta
spicy creamy chicken pasta - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is coated thoroughly.
  3. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the chicken until it’s cooked and slightly browned. This usually takes 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
  7. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes, parsley, and sriracha. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
  11. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

This spicy creamy chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own. Serve it hot and fresh, right from the skillet. For a more elegant presentation, portion the pasta into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Consider pairing it with a simple side salad. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta. Crusty garlic bread is another great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

How to Store This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas! And if you love pasta, check out our creamy tomato pasta recipe! We think you’ll love it!

Tips to Make This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha. You can always add more later.
  • Use high quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Opt for fresh herbs, good quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful sun dried tomatoes.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
  • Don’t skip the roux: The roux is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it properly so it doesn’t taste floury.

Helpful Notes for This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rotini, fettuccine, and bow tie pasta all work well.
  • Sun dried tomatoes: If you don’t have oil packed sun dried tomatoes, you can use dry packed ones. Rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping.

Variation of This spicy creamy chicken pasta Recipe

  • Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Seafood: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood version.
  • Different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or mozzarella.
  • Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

Leave a Comment