If you’re craving a pasta dish that packs warmth, creaminess, and a little kick of heat, then this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s everything you want in comfort food but with a vibrant twist from sun-dried tomatoes and a subtle spicy edge that keeps every bite exciting. Creamy sauce, tender chicken strips, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that feels both indulgent and totally approachable. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something a bit special, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the right ingredients makes this dish a total breeze, and each component plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this pasta so irresistible.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin to cook quickly and stay juicy inside the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz pasta: Penne, spaghetti, or any favorite shape work perfectly to hold the rich sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a sweet and tangy punch with a beautiful burst of color.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, boosting savory, nutty flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides that signature spicy kick, adjustable to your heat tolerance.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and tender aromatics.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and tomatoes beautifully.
- Fresh basil: To garnish and bring a fresh, herbaceous brightness to each plate.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. After draining, save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this little trick comes in handy for tweaking the sauce consistency later. Setting your pasta aside gives you the opportunity to focus on building that rich, spicy creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken strips. Season them well with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juices and adds a lovely texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and put it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute or until you can smell that irresistible garlic aroma filling your kitchen. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook for a few minutes so their sweet, tangy flavors really soak into the butter and garlic base.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into your skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens over 3 to 4 minutes, transforming into a silky, spicy dressing for your pasta.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet. Stir them into the sauce so each piece is luxuriously coated. This allows the chicken to soak up those creamy, spicy flavors while warming back up for a perfectly integrated dish.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Adjust Consistency
Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it all together. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bolder punch.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before you dig in, sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta for a pop of color and that fresh, herbal note that perfectly balances the richness. Then serve this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe straight from the skillet or plated beautifully – either way, it’s pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the dish with a handful of freshly chopped basil leaves or whole basil sprigs. Some extra grated Parmesan on top adds a cheesy finish, and a light drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate the richness even further. A few more red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on for those who like it extra spicy.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy, spicy pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some garlic bread for sopping up every luscious bite of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish beautifully by adding crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just want to make the meal feel extra special, try plating the pasta on warm plates and piling the chicken and pasta high in the center. Use a spoon to swirl the sauce artistically around the edges and finish with basil leaves placed elegantly on top. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a bright zing if they want a little contrast to the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the creaminess and flavors without the pasta drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind the texture of cream sauces can change after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce, or freeze only the cooked chicken and reassemble the dish fresh later. When you’re ready, thaw completely overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to its luscious consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat, which can cause the cream to separate. Stir frequently for even warming and a silky finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or even farfalle all work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily increase or reduce the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon if you want a milder dish or ramp it up to a full teaspoon for those who love a fiery kick.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Definitely. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu make great alternatives if you want to switch things up. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and tender.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They are a key flavor component that adds sweetness and tang, but if you can’t find any, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or even diced fresh tomatoes cooked down to reduce moisture. Just keep in mind this will alter the final flavor slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses regular pasta, but by swapping in gluten-free pasta, you can easily make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any of the taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Rich, creamy, with a touch of heat and a burst of sun-dried tomato sweetness, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own – trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your rotation forever.
Print
Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful and creamy spicy chicken pasta featuring tender chicken strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly balanced with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and a fresh basil garnish. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite kind)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken strips back to the skillet and stir well to coat them with the creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor when possible.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
- Garnishing with fresh basil adds a bright, herbal contrast to the creamy sauce.
