Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, a luscious creamy sauce, and the vibrant zing of sun-dried tomatoes, perfectly balanced with a spicy kick. This quick and easy recipe is made with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, delivering a restaurant-quality meal ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Adaptable (Gluten Free with gluten-free pasta)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Herbs & Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Stir in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency of the sauce. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes on warm dishes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a vibrant and flavorful presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy—slightly undercook then finish in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling to the pasta.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually off the heat to avoid sauce breaking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Spicy chicken pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, spicy creamy chicken