If you’re a fan of pasta with a bit of a kick, this Spicy Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for you! It’s rich, flavorful, and has just enough heat to warm up your taste buds. Plus, it’s packed with tender chicken, delicious veggies, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s an easy weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Method
Cook the Chicken and Veggies
Start by heating a large frying pan over medium heat, using low-calorie cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the diced chicken breast and red onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden and begins to brown. This should take around 5-7 minutes. The onion should soften and release its natural sweetness, adding flavor to the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, proceed to the next step.
Prepare the Pasta
While your chicken and onions are cooking, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. If you’d like to enhance the flavor, you can add a stock cube to the water while it boils. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but save a splash of the pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce later.
Add the Flavor to the Chicken
Once the chicken has developed a golden color and is cooked through, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the chipotle paste, making sure the chicken and onions are evenly coated with the smoky, spicy paste. The chipotle paste will infuse the dish with a bold, smoky flavor that gives the pasta its signature kick. Add the sundried tomatoes, diced red pepper, and crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance and the peppers to soften slightly. Continue cooking for a few more minutes to ensure the ingredients meld together.
Make the Sauce
Now, it’s time to create the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Next, add the crème fraîche and grated mozzarella, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. As the cheese melts, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creamy consistency. Stir the mixture until the sauce is smooth and coat the chicken and veggies evenly.
Combine and Serve
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the frying pan with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine the pasta with the creamy sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated. Let the dish simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once everything is mixed and the sauce is perfectly creamy, the dish is ready to serve. For a complete meal, you can serve the pasta with a side of steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables.
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan (for boiling pasta)
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Grater (for cheese)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 150 g dried pasta penne or fusilli works well
- 300 g chicken breast diced
- 1 diced red onion
- 1 diced red pepper
- 20 g sundried tomatoes
- 1 tsp chipotle paste
- 2-3 crushed garlic cloves
- For the Sauce:
- 60 g grated mozzarella
- 4 tbsp 0% fat crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken and VeggiesHeat a large frying pan over medium heat with low-calorie cooking spray.Add the diced chicken and red onion to the pan. Fry until the chicken begins to turn golden.
- Prepare the PastaWhile the chicken is cooking, boil the pasta in salted water or a stock cube for added flavor. Cook according to packet instructions until al dente.
- Add the Flavor to the ChickenOnce the chicken has some color, stir in the chipotle paste until evenly coated.Add the sundried tomatoes, diced red pepper, and crushed garlic.
- Make the SauceStir in the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Add the crème fraîche, grated mozzarella, and a splash of pasta water to the pan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine and ServeDrain the pasta and add it to the sauce along with 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.Serve hot with a side of steamed broccoli or your favorite veggies.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Cook it just until it is no longer pink.
- Thick Sauce: Add pasta water gradually to keep the sauce creamy without making it too runny.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of chipotle paste and chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pasta with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of extra chili flakes on top for more heat.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, zesty kick.
Fun Fact
Chipotle paste, a key ingredient in this recipe, is made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers. It adds a deep, smoky flavor to dishes while providing a gentle heat!
Conclusion
This Spicy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers who enjoy a kick of heat in their meals. It’s quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors that are sure to satisfy. Make this for a cozy dinner or meal prep it for the week—you can’t go wrong! Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite! 🌶🍝