Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta
This post may contain affiliate links. See our discloure policy.
Our Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe features juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection in a delicious blend of olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs. A kick of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, balanced with the richness of creamy sauce made from marinara and heavy cream. Serve over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta or rice, sprinkled with grated parmesan and fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Chicken pasta recipes are always a great go-to when seeking a hearty yet balanced meal. If you love pasta with chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out my comforting Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta and 30-minute One Pan Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi, made with an irresistible creamy sauce.
You can also try my other protein pasta recipes like Cajun Sausage Pasta, Crab Pasta Salad, and Shrimp Orzo Pasta. All crowd favorites that are packed with flavor yet simple to make right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Pasta Recipe
Ditch the same rotation of dinner meals and get ready to introduce a delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Here is why I think you’ll want to make this dish over and over:
- Fast and Simple: In under 30 minutes, you will have a complete meal, so it is ideal for busy nights.
- Flavorful and Customizable: The sauce is homemade, and the protein can be swapped to meet preferences. Plus, this dish can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian.
- Family-Friendly: This creamy pasta recipe is one that all ages, both adults and kids, will enjoy.
Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta Ingredients
- Olive oil – used to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan while also elevating the flavor of the entire recipe.
- Chicken breasts – keep the chicken moist and juicy by cooking as directed to allow the protein to absorb the flavors in the sauce.
- Chicken broth – helps to add more flavor to the sauce and thin out the sauce slightly. It can easily be swapped with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Garlic – mincing the garlic will add a strong, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – adjust the amount to control the level of heat, making the recipe as mild or as spicy as you like.
- Basil, thyme, salt, pepper
- Marinara sauce – adds the tomato-based component of the dish, giving the sauce a tangy yet slightly sweet flavor.
- Heavy cream – the key to a rich and creamy sauce that also balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.
- Cooked pasta – opt for a pasta such as rigatoni, farfalle or penne as these pasta shapes can hold onto the creamy sauce the best
- Grated parmesan and fresh basil – optional but strongly recommended to garnish the final dish before serving
How To Make Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta
STEP ONE: Cook the chicken breasts. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Heat until it shimmers, indicating it is hot enough to add the chicken. While you wait, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Then, sear in a hot skillet for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and sear for another 5 minutes. Searing will lock in the juices to ensure the chicken remains juicy. Plus, it creates a flavorful exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet, slice, and set aside on a plate.
STEP TWO: Make the sauce. Deglaze the hot pan with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. You will notice it will start to sizzle and bubble, which will help to lift the bits (aka fond) from the bottom. This is key to add a rich flavor to the sauce.
Next, add the garlic and cook for a minute. Since the garlic is minced, you don’t want to overcook and cause the garlic to burn. As soon as the garlic becomes fragrant, add the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir well then blend in the heavy cream.
You can simmer the sauce for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. If you are in a pinch, add the sliced chicken breasts back to the pan immediately.
STEP THREE: Serve. Serve over cooked pasta or rice. You can also keep the chicken separate from the sauce and drizzle the sauce over pasta and chicken slices. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips
- Adjust the spice level and remember that you can’t take the heat away once it is added! If serving multiple people, I recommend starting with a small amount of crushed red pepper then allow everyone to control the heat by garnishing with additional flakes.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half and half in the sauce instead of heavy cream.
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente as it will continue to cook once it is mixed with the sauce. This will keep it from becoming mushy.
- Swap the chicken breasts for tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs if desired.
- Besides chicken, add or swap with cooked shrimp, Italian sausage or ground beef. Make vegetarian by using tofu or opting for a lentil or chickpea pasta.
What To Serve with Creamy Chicken Pasta
Serve this pasta with chicken with a simple side salad or cooked vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
Broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, yellow squash, zucchini or eggplant are the top choices I recommend. You also can’t go wrong with Crispy Green Beans in Air Fryer!
If going the route of a salad, mix a variety of leafy greens in a bowl drizzled with a light vinaigrette, fresh vegetables and grated parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
To check for al dente, start tasting the pasta 1-2 minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package. It should feel firm but not hard in the center. You also want the pasta to be slightly resistant when you bite into it.
Pasta shapes that have ridges or curves are best as they help trap the creamy sauce and ensure a flavor packed bite every time.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water, chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes or stir in grated parmesan to help absorb excess liquid.
Storage Instructions
Store spicy creamy chicken pasta leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This sauce may thicken, but you can add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating. This is also a great recipe to meal prep and store in separate containers then reheat for lunch at the office or dinner at home.
You can freeze leftovers with the understanding that creamy sauces sometimes change texture when reheated. If you do freeze, allow it to thaw completely when ready to eat then reheat slowly. Adding a bit of cream or broth to the sauce will help restore its creamy consistency.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, do so over low heat in a skillet to prevent the sauce from separating. It also helps to stir frequently for a smooth consistency. If reheating away from home, heat in short increments in the microwave, stirring in between.
Can You Make Gluten-Free?
Yes! Easily turn gluten-free by opting to serve with rice or a gluten-free pasta. Always verify the labels of the other ingredients to ensure there are no hidden sources of gluten.
How To Make Dairy Free Pasta with Chicken
Instead of heavy cream, you can substitute with 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut milk. It will alter the taste slightly; however, the creaminess of the dish will be maintained.
Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- grated parmesan and fresh basil optional for serving
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and sear for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet, slice, and set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce. Deglaze the hot pan with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Add the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir will. Blend in the heavy cream. Add the sliced chicken breasts back to the pan.
- Serve. Serve over cooked pasta or rice. You can keep the chicken separate from the sauce and drizzle the sauce over pasta and chicken slices. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Video
Notes
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water, chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let is simmer for a few minutes or stir in grated parmesan to help absorb excess liquid.
- Besides chicken, add or swap with cooked shrimp, Italian sausage or ground beef. Make vegetarian by using tofu or opting for a lentil or chickpea pasta.