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Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Dried Tomatoes

If you love rich, creamy pasta with a little kick, this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Dried Tomatoes is the perfect dish for you! Tender chicken is sautéed in a spicy blend of seasonings, then tossed with a luscious, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The heat from the spices combined with the rich creaminess of the sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish that is packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special night or just need a comforting meal, this pasta is sure to hit the spot!

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan (for cooking chicken and sauce)
  • Pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Tongs or pasta spoon (for tossing pasta)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Colander (for draining pasta)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust for spice preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • For the Chicken:
  • Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • For the Pasta:
  • Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • For the Sauce:
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts into the sauce and it becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.