Spicy Chicken Pasta

close up shot of a pot of pasta garnished with parsley with a spoon

This spicy chicken pasta recipe offers a complex flavor profile of creamy, tangy, and spicy elements that is easy to make and sure to please all pasta lovers.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 670kcal

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided in half (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ red onion, diced
3 fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Set a cup of pasta water aside and then drain and rinse the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Add olive oil and butter in a large skillet or large pan over medium heat.
After the butter melts, add the chicken pieces, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook it for 5-7 minutes until it browns on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until softens and turns translucent.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a cup of pasta water.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it begins to thicken.
Add the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning as well as grated parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir the ingredients until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss the ingredients until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish your delicious creamy pasta with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese and serve it hot.

Notes

Having everything ready before you start this recipe will make the cooking process smoother.
Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.
You can thicken the simmering cream sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1½ tablespoons of water.

Nutrition