If you are searching for a dish that perfectly blends bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of heat, look no further than this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It takes tender chicken, al dente penne, and a rich, spicy tomato cream sauce to create a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. This dish is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together in a way that’s deeply satisfying and worthy of becoming one of your new favorite recipes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe will impress anyone lucky enough to have a plateful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s delightful about the ingredients for this recipe is their simplicity, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fresh garlic to creamy Parmesan, these essentials elevate the dish without overwhelming it.
- Penne pasta: The perfect shape to catch the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Chicken breast, cubed: Provides tender protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéeing the chicken and garlic.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth that awakens the taste buds.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Create a fresh, tangy tomato foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and balances the spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Injects just the right level of heat to spice things up without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds aromatic complexity to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: A bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your penne according to the package instructions until al dente—meaning it still has a little bite to it. Once ready, drain and set aside, keeping it warm for when you combine everything.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the cubed chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. Cooking the chicken until golden and fully cooked locks in juiciness and provides a nice texture contrast. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step builds a savory, flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Flavor the Base with Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the remaining olive oil and chicken drippings. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step is crucial to infuse the dish with that wonderful aromatic hint garlic lovers crave — just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This not only heats the tomatoes through but also helps them break down slightly, releasing their sweetness and tang to create a rich base for your sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Spicy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients turn a simple tomato sauce into a creamy, spicy blend that’s bursting with flavor. Let the sauce thicken just a bit while you keep stirring, ensuring a silky texture that will coat every pasta strand lovingly.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta with Sauce
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the luscious sauce. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Final Seasoning
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring it into the sauce until melted and fully integrated. The cheese enriches the sauce with its salty, nutty undertones, adding yet another layer of deliciousness. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Once combined, take the skillet off the heat and allow the pasta to cool just slightly—it’s better enjoyed warm but not scalding hot. These steps ensure you end up with an incredible Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe that’s both comforting and vibrant.
How to Serve Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this dish quite like fresh basil leaves. Their bright green color and fresh, slightly sweet flavor perfectly lighten the richness of the creamy sauce. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for added impact.
Side Dishes
Because the Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich and flavorful, lighter sides balance it out beautifully. Consider serving with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to add crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a feast that looks as good as it tastes, serve your pasta in shallow white bowls to highlight the vivid sauce colors. Add a sprig of basil and a small wedge of lemon on the side for an inviting, restaurant-style presentation that’s bound to impress guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing the container to keep the flavors fresh and the texture intact.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Reheating slowly helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and prevents the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Easy! Modify the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder version, reduce or omit them entirely. For extra heat, increase the flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind that the sauce texture and flavor will differ but should still be delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can cook all the components ahead except for combining the pasta and sauce. Keep them separate and reheat together just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What wine pairs well with Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A nice medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the spicy tomato cream sauce perfectly, enhancing the dish’s Italian-inspired flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe a try if you want a meal that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors. The creamy, spicy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite feel like a little celebration. It’s a dish that’s just as great for weeknights as it is for special dinners. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to cook something truly unforgettable!
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
Description
A flavorful and creamy Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta featuring tender cubed chicken, penne pasta, a rich tomato and heavy cream sauce, seasoned with garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together so that the sauce coats all ingredients evenly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired for optimal flavor.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds better in the sauce.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with dried Italian herbs if fresh is unavailable.
