If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s a perfect marriage of tender chicken, luscious cream sauce, and the vibrant burst of sun-dried tomatoes, all brought to life with just the right kick of spice. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, comforting meal that’s quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy pasta will become a go-to favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the final dish extraordinary.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite kind; penne or spaghetti work beautifully to soak up the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich and velvety base of the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, deep tomato flavor and a charming burst of color.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty richness that enhances the creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes: The perfect amount of heat that awakens the palate.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and infusing a fruity note.
- Butter: Adds silkiness to the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh basil: For garnish, lending freshness and a pop of green that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain carefully, but don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s a secret ingredient that helps loosen the sauce later on if it gets too thick.
Step 2: Sear the chicken strips
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook them undisturbed for a few minutes, then flip to brown on the other side until golden and cooked through (about 6 to 7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute just until fragrant—you want that aroma to fill your kitchen without letting it burn. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to release their tangy flavors into the butter-garlic mixture.
Step 4: Create the creamy, spicy sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring consistently. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and every ingredient melds into a luscious, spicy cream sauce.
Step 5: Combine chicken and pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat every strip in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to fully envelop it. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired silky consistency is reached.
Step 6: Season and garnish
Give your dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Finish by sprinkling fresh basil leaves over the pasta to bring a pop of color and a fresh herbal note just before serving.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic and essential garnish for this dish, offering a bright contrast to the creamy sauce. For added texture and flavor, consider toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a wonderful sheen and richness right at the end.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce—never underestimate the power of good bread alongside a creamy pasta!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls and garnish each plate with a basil sprig and a twist of fresh cracked black pepper. You can also sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. If you’re feeding a crowd, present it family-style in a large, colorful serving dish and let everyone dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the chicken and pasta if you want to maintain texture, but this dish generally holds together well. Keep fresh basil separate to maintain its bright flavor.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky because the texture of the cream sauce might change. If you want to freeze this dish, store the cooked pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container without the fresh basil. Use within 2 months for best quality and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream or use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed so it stays creamy and smooth. Avoid microwaving without stirring, as it can cause uneven heating and separation of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute with your favorite shape, whether it’s fettuccine, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is the dish?
The level of heat depends mainly on how much red pepper flakes you add. The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon to deliver a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust this up or down depending on your spice tolerance. It’s flexible and forgiving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of Parmesan. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain deliciously creamy and satisfying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of cream or pasta water to keep the sauce moist. Microwaving can work but do it in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid drying the chicken.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can cook and slice the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Cooking the pasta ahead is also fine; just undercook it slightly so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated. Assemble and cook the sauce fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that combines simplicity and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings bold flavors and comforting creaminess together in a uniquely satisfying way. It’s always a hit around my table and I’m sure it will be at yours too. Happy cooking!
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Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delightful 30-minute meal combining tender, seasoned chicken strips with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Tossed with your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh basil, this dish offers a comforting yet vibrant flavor profile perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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)
Garnish
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set both aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. 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 and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow their flavors to infuse the butter and garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, then let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, but sauce thickness may vary.
- You can use any pasta shape you like; penne and spaghetti work especially well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide richer flavor, but drain well to avoid excess oiliness.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note—feel free to add extra for garnish or stir into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
