Chicken and Veggie Pasta With Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe

Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, spicy cream sauce? You’ve come to the right place!

This Chicken and Veggie Pasta with Spicy Cream Sauce recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold flavors and wholesome ingredients together for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish balances comfort and excitement with every bite.

The secret to this recipe lies in the creamy sauce, which has just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the other ingredients. Fresh veggies add color, crunch, and nutrition, while the chicken provides a hearty protein boost.

In under an hour, you’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your palate.

The creamy sauce is made from simple pantry staples but tastes decadently rich and complex.

It’s also a one-pan wonder (mostly!), which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, it’s a balanced dish with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl, making it a wholesome option that satisfies hunger and cravings alike.

Finally, this dish is perfect for meal prep and leftovers heat up beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day without losing any flavor or texture.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander or strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Cook until vegetables are tender but still crisp, around 5 minutes.
4. Make the spicy cream sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the red chili flakes. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add cheese and chicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spicy cream sauce, chicken, and vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
7. Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option).

Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Use cooked rotisserie chicken to skip the step of cooking chicken from scratch for a quicker meal.

For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. If you prefer, swap out penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This spicy cream pasta dish shines when served hot and fresh. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of steamed green beans tossed in garlic butter.

For a more indulgent meal, warm some crusty garlic bread or focaccia to serve alongside. A chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy, spicy notes beautifully.

Looking to explore more recipes that balance health and flavor, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, or dive into wholesome grains with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

If you love that spicy touch, don’t miss the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Veggie Pasta with Spicy Cream Sauce recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss. The creamy, spicy sauce perfectly complements tender chicken and fresh vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe offers a delicious, balanced meal that hits all the right notes.

Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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