If you love bold flavors wrapped in creamy, comforting pasta, then you are absolutely going to adore this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate with tender strips of chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and that perfect kick of heat to keep things exciting. The combination of spicy seasonings, rich cream sauce, and tender pasta will quickly make this recipe a household favorite you’ll be eager to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of deliciousness. From the fragrant garlic to the creamy Parmesan, every component adds a unique touch to the final dish.
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape; it’s the perfect vehicle for the saucy goodness.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Tender chicken strips that soak up all the flavorful spices quickly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for a golden sear on the chicken and a rich base for sautéing.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more to taste): The star for that flirtatious spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings the Tuscan vibe to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential basics for perfectly balanced seasoning.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic awakens the senses and elevates flavor.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Sweet and tangy bites that add a fun chewy texture and color pop.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green element that wilts into the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly creamy sauce everyone will love.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and light with a hint of savory depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melts into the sauce to bind everything together.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A fragrant herb finish that adds brightness and color.
How to Make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package directions. This sets the base for your dish, so aim for perfectly al dente noodles that have a little bite. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside — they will soak up all those luscious flavors later on.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, mix together paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss your chicken strips in this flavorful blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken strips for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté them for just a minute until fragrant and irresistible. Next, pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it all to a gentle simmer. Now sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a creamy, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Add Greens and Combine
Stir in baby spinach and cook until it wilts down, adding vibrant color and freshness. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything gently in the sauce. Let it simmer for another minute or two to allow all those flavors to marry perfectly.
How to Serve Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with freshly chopped basil for a fragrant, herbal pop, and a little extra grated Parmesan for that cheesy indulgence that never gets old. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or some toasted garlic bread makes fantastic companions. The bread is especially great for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and top each with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You can also sprinkle a few extra red pepper flakes on top if your guests love heat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable as the first.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This will keep your pasta luscious and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine are recommended because they hold onto the sauce well, but you can experiment with rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti depending on what you have available.
How spicy is this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it to your liking by adding more or less. If you prefer a milder dish, just reduce the chili flakes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to use grilled chicken instead of sautéed?
Yes! Grilled chicken strips add a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Just grill and slice the chicken before folding it into the finished pasta.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft can be great alternatives that bring color and a touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe enough if you crave a comforting yet exciting dinner that comes together quickly and easily. With each bite, you’ll taste creamy, spicy, and savory notes balanced perfectly. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and prepare to wow everyone with this luscious, heartwarming dish!
Print
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A flavorful and creamy Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta combining tender chicken strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce served over penne or fettuccine pasta. This Italian-American inspired dish balances a spicy kick with rich, comforting flavors for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken strips with paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly to coat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic, stirring frequently.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly and bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add spinach: Incorporate the baby spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute kale for baby spinach for a different green vegetable option.
- Use grilled chicken instead of seared chicken for a smoky flavor twist.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce fat content.
