Description
Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a deliciously balanced dish combining tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes with a perfect spicy kick. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful pasta is quick to make and perfect for any occasion, whether a weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (adjust to preference)
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup semi-dried sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley, a handful (optional, for garnish)
Sauce & Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 300 grams pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to add the spicy kick.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release their tangy oils into the pan.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping the browned bits from the skillet. Add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to develop a thick, luscious sauce.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken. Toss well to coat every strand evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional chili flakes if you prefer more heat. Toss in fresh basil or parsley leaves for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for faster, evenly cooked, juicy results.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente keeps the texture firm and complements the creamy sauce.
- Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and a moister sauce.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.
- Add chili flakes gradually to control the heat without overpowering the dish.
- For dairy-free options, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes pasta, quick dinner recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipes
