Description
This Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of indulgent creaminess and a delightful kick of spice. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich sauce made with cream cheese and parmesan, this dish will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 250 g (9 oz) rigatoni (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 20 g (1.5 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 350 g (12 oz) chicken breast, diced
For the Sauce:
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
- 75 g (2.5 oz) cream cheese
- 30 g (1 oz) grated parmesan cheese
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped shallot and garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add smoked paprika, onion granules, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. - Create the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. - Finish with Parmesan and Parsley:
Stir in the grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Mix until the cheese is melted into the sauce. - Serve:
Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with additional parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjusting the Spice: For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Pasta Options: While rigatoni works great, you can use penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a similar result.
- Make It Creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream if you prefer an even richer sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Fusion