If you crave a dish that combines creamy, spicy, and bursting-with-flavor elements all in one, you are going to adore this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It marries tender slices of seasoned chicken with a velvety sauce enriched by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all clinging beautifully to al dente penne pasta. This recipe brings a touch of Tuscan magic straight to your kitchen in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is what makes this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe outstanding. Each item brings its own magic, whether it’s the creamy heavy cream enhancing richness or the fresh spinach adding a vibrant burst of color and nutrition.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The ideal shape for holding onto that luscious sauce with every bite.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced thin: Ensures quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to capture Tuscan essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Brings the perfect hint of spice and kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and imparting that classic richness.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Packs a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped: Offers an intense, tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Provides the luxurious, creamy base everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that classic, nutty flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved: Adds freshness and a pop of juicy sweetness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Wilts down to add vibrant greens and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon additional crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for extra spice if you like to turn up the heat.
How to Make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. This means tender but with just enough bite to create a fantastic texture contrast to the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, slice your chicken breasts thinly for quick and even cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to infuse it with bold flavor and a gentle heat. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything to combine into a smooth mixture. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken up just slightly, setting the stage for that luscious, comforting coating of pasta.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Veggies
Reduce the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts tenderly. This step adds wonderful freshness and balances the creamy richness.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, tossing gently so every piece is enveloped in the tasty sauce. Finally, add the drained penne pasta and mix everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat. Now it’s ready to savor!
How to Serve Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish like a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese elevates the presentation and flavor, while a light drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a beautiful shine. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top can also excite the spice lovers at your table.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread to keep the focus on that creamy, spicy pasta. Roasted vegetables or a light antipasto platter nicely complement the flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta inside roasted bell peppers or atop a bed of fluffy polenta. This adds an extra dimension visually and texturally, impressing your guests or family with a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld together beautifully, making each bite taste as good as the first.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta to maintain texture quality. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This way, the creamy, spicy goodness stays luscious and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine can be used based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also balance any heat by adding a little more cream or cheese to mellow the spice.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Definitely. Grilled shrimp or Italian sausage can make delicious alternatives that work well with this creamy sauce—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I do to lighten up this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream option. You can also use less cheese or substitute with a lower-fat variety for a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should no longer be pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking sliced thin helps it cook evenly and quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. Its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and just-right amount of spice make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to dive in, give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your go-to meals that’s ready whenever you crave something hearty, delicious, and effortlessly impressive.
Print
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender slices of seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes tossed with penne pasta in a rich Parmesan and heavy cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking for a few minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with additional crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
- Serve: Serve the Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- You can use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it perfectly al dente.
