If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor, creaminess, and a touch of spice, you’ve got to try this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It beautifully combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, all elevated by that signature Tuscan flair. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at dinner, this dish delivers layers of warmth and excitement with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a part in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Tender, lean protein that soaks up the spices and sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a rich sauté base that adds subtle fruity notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a warm, smoky kick to complement the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Adds the vibrant, spicy heat that defines this dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a deep garlicky flavor that melds with fresh garlic.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and enhance all the flavors.
- 10 oz penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite shape to hold onto the luscious sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic, intense flavor.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Brings a sweet, tangy burst of color and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant green pop and earthy freshness while wilting perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, velvety texture that coats every bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances richness with savory notes and helps the sauce come together smoothly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Crucial for that salty, nutty finish that pulls all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Elevates with a fresh, herbal brightness and gorgeous visual appeal.
How to Make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente. This is crucial—the pasta should have a little bite so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce perfectly later on. Once cooked, drain and set your pasta aside, ready for the magic to happen.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken strips with smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend gives the chicken its distinctive spicy, smoky flavor that’s essential to our Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside for the next step.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step releases their incredible aromas and creates the flavorful base of your sauce. Then, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes luxuriously creamy.
Step 4: Add Spinach, Chicken, and Pasta
Now it’s time to toss in the fresh spinach. Stir it gently until it wilts down, adding a fresh, vibrant texture and color to the dish. Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the pasta. Toss everything together so that the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it just right before serving.
How to Serve Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal brightness and a pop of color. Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for that irresistible, melty cheese finish. These simple touches take the presentation and flavor to the next level without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightfully rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread balances the creaminess and adds contrasting textures. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy green bean almondine makes a refreshing companion to this flavorful pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to glisten enticingly. Add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat and flair. Or, bake the combined pasta and sauce with a layer of mozzarella cheese until golden and bubbly for a comforting casserole-style twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors meld even more, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Just be aware the spinach may continue to wilt, so it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this pasta, separate the chicken from the pasta and sauce for best results. Freeze the components in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the spinach and chicken during thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly without drying out. Avoid high heat which can cause the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the penne or fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and chicken remain just as delicious, so no flavor is sacrificed.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level comes mainly from the red pepper flakes, and you can easily adjust them to your taste—add more for a serious kick or less if you prefer mild with just a hint of warmth.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time as thighs might need a couple more minutes to cook through.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can add creaminess but will lend a subtle coconut flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even zucchini make excellent additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to keep all the flavors balanced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a keeper in any recipe collection. The way the spicy, smoky seasonings blend with creamy sauce and vibrant greens is pure comfort food magic. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and savor every single bite – it’s just that good!
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-Inspired
Description
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of chicken breast cooked with smoky paprika and red pepper flakes, combined with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This Italian-inspired recipe delivers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess on a bed of al dente penne or fettuccine, making it an ideal main course for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 10 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to release their flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until the leaves have wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to mix well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms or crushed red pepper flakes for additional depth and heat.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
