Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta in a rich, spicy Tuscan-style sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and has just the right amount of heat to keep every bite exciting. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy date nights at home.
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is bold, creamy, and packed with heat, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian flair in every bite. Weeknight comfort food with a kick!
Why This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Is the Best
- Creamy & Spicy Sauce: A velvety blend of cream, garlic, and chili flakes for a bold kick.
- Juicy Chicken: Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for golden, flavorful bites.
- Tuscan Flair: Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add richness and color.
- Comforting Pasta Base: Coats every strand in saucy goodness.
- One-Pan Meal: Easy to make and even easier to clean up.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll crave on chilly evenings or when you need something soul-warming and satisfying. It’s fancy enough for guests and fast enough for busy nights.
Ingredient Notes
- Oil-packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely savory and slightly chewy, they infuse the dish with rich, tangy umami and deepen the Tuscan flavor profile.
- Chicken Breasts (cubed): Lean, protein-rich pieces that absorb the spices and brown beautifully for a hearty, satisfying base.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that layers the dish with warm, earthy Mediterranean notes.
- Paprika/Smoked Paprika: Adds color and either mild sweetness or smokiness, enhancing the chicken’s depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings heat and vibrancy to balance the creamy sauce.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning that sharpens all the other flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty richness and luxurious creaminess.
- Salted Butter: Adds fat and flavor, helping sauté the aromatics to golden perfection.
- Shallot: Milder than onion, it brings a sweet, delicate sharpness to the base.
- Garlic: Bold and aromatic, garlic builds savory depth into the sauce.
- Calabrian Chili Paste: Spicy, smoky, and fruity—it gives the pasta its signature heat and bold Italian personality.
- Short-Cut Pasta: Perfect for catching the creamy sauce in its ridges and shape for every bite.
- Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts into the hot sauce for a tender texture and earthy balance to the richness.
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep it juicy by searing until just done.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less chili flakes based on preference.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the hot sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Helps thin and bind the sauce if needed.
- Let It Rest: A few minutes off heat lets the flavors come together.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- With a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness.
- With Shaved Parmesan: Adds extra depth and saltiness.
- With a Glass of Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Refreshes the palate.
A Must Try
Creamy, spicy, and loaded with bold flavors, Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious twist on a classic. The warmth of chili flakes, the creaminess of the sauce, and the savory sun-dried tomatoes come together to make this dish unforgettable. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to add to your regular rotation!
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Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is bold, creamy, and packed with heat, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian flair in every bite. Weeknight comfort food with a kick!
Ingredients
- 1 jar 8 ounce oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 medium shallot chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 2-3 tbsp crushed Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Scoop out 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and pour it into a large pot or a deep skillet. Chop up the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside for later.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, a dash of paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook until the chicken is golden and sizzling—about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, cook for another minute, then take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add a little more oil along with the butter. Toss in the shallot, garlic, Calabrian chili paste, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook it all together for about 3 minutes, until it smells amazing.
- Pour in 3 1/2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook, stirring often, until it’s just tender—about 8 minutes.
- Now stir in the cream, spinach, those chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the rest of the parmesan (about 3/4 cup). Slide the chicken back into the pot, along with any tasty juices left on the plate.
- Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and some basil on top. Enjoy! 🌿🧀🍝
Notes
Make your own Italian seasoning by mixing together:
2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon dried sage.
Give it a good stir, then store it in a sealed container so it stays fresh and ready for your next recipe! 🌿✨
2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon dried sage.
Give it a good stir, then store it in a sealed container so it stays fresh and ready for your next recipe! 🌿✨
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Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is bold, creamy, and packed with heat, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian flair in every bite. Weeknight comfort food with a kick!