If you’re looking for a soul-warming, flavor-packed pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve, you’ve just found your new favorite: Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish brings together tender bites of chicken, a luscious creamy sauce with a fiery kick, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in every twirl of pasta. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights, a dinner date at home, or wowing guests—trust me, you’ll want a second helping before you even finish your first.

Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is how it comes together with straightforward, honest-to-goodness ingredients. Each one builds layers of flavor, from the pasta’s comforting base to bright herbs and a hint of heat—there’s no wasted step or unnecessary add-in here!

12 oz penne pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta to soak up every drop of that creamy, spicy sauce.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides tender, hearty protein that pairs seamlessly with the sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully and adds a subtle fruity richness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild, earthy heat that builds the flavor base.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the dish a gentle smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): The secret to the pasta’s fiery little bite—customize the heat level to your liking!
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory, aromatic goodness.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped: Bring tang, chewiness, and a punch of umami that sets the dish apart.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, decadent sauce we all crave in creamy pastas.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens and lifts the sauce, adding extra depth.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty flavor and irresistible creaminess.
2 cups baby spinach (optional): Adds freshness and color—plus a bonus serving of greens!
Fresh basil for garnish: A pop of brightness and herbal aroma to finish the dish.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente—meaning it still has just a slight bite. Drain well and set aside. This gives you a perfect canvas for catching all the spicy, creamy flavors to come.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, grab your chicken pieces, and toss them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and those red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmery, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked all the way through. Scoop the chicken out onto a plate and keep it nearby.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium, and in that same pan with all those tasty browned bits, toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes until everything is fragrant and slightly softened. This step creates a deeply aromatic foundation that really sets Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes apart.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom—these are flavor gold! Bring it all to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and let it melt, stirring until your sauce thickens slightly and turns glossy. The combination of cream, broth, and cheese is pure magic for creating that velvety, crave-worthy sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Now for the best part! Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and baby spinach (if you’re using it) directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece is coated with the spicy, creamy sauce and the spinach gently wilts. Give it 2 to 3 more minutes on the heat, then remove from the stove. Garnish generously with fresh basil just before serving.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garnishes

A handful of torn fresh basil over the top is a must for Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes—it adds color, fragrance, and brings out the summery notes in the sun-dried tomatoes. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or some cracked black pepper will elevate every bite with cheesy sharpness and a peppery kick.

Side Dishes

While this pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed green beans. A side of warm, crusty bread is practically mandatory for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra pop at the dinner table, serve Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes in large, shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce on top and a fluttering of basil leaves. You could also present it family style straight from the skillet, or portion it into ramekins for a fun, elevated twist at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

While creamy pastas don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if needed. Allow the pasta to cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know the sauce may separate a little once thawed, but a quick stir while reheating will bring it back together.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through, and finish with an extra grate of Parmesan and fresh basil to revive those flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly for holding the sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine—Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes tastes great no matter the shape.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, simply substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to lighten up the sauce. If you’re watching calories further, try using cooked spiralized zucchini in place of some or all of the pasta.

What protein alternatives work well here?

If you’re not in the mood for chicken, sliced Italian sausage, shrimp, or even chickpeas (for a vegetarian version) all work beautifully with the spicy, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce.

How can I make it spicier?

Amp up the heat by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes, adding a diced fresh chili, or finishing the dish with a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce before serving.

Can I leave out the spinach?

Absolutely—the spinach is optional. Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes shines all on its own, but the greens offer a lovely balance if you want a bit of freshness and color.

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing better than sharing a plate of Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes with friends and family. It’s comforting, a little bit bold, and supremely satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try—once you taste how the creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors come together, you’ll be hooked!

Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce with a kick of spice in this Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Sauce:

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until browned and cooked through.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add cream and broth, then stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and spinach to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and cook briefly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.