Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables
Introduction
When summer rolls around, fresh vegetables are abundant, and there’s nothing quite like combining them with a deliciously creamy, spicy chicken pasta. This dish offers the perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant summer vegetables, and a rich, spicy cream sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party or just looking for a new recipe to enjoy with your family, this Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
A Symphony of Flavors:
The combination of spicy chicken and creamy sauce creates a perfect harmony, while the fresh summer vegetables add a touch of brightness that balances out the richness of the dish.
Easy to Prepare:
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. With just a few steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour.
Versatile Ingredients:
You can customize this dish to suit your taste or make the most of what’s in your fridge. Swap out the vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even change the type of pasta to make it your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves, cooking just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are slightly softened. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything:
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the sliced chicken and sautéed vegetables, mixing everything together until well combined and heated through.
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
Choose Fresh Vegetables:
The key to a vibrant dish is using the freshest summer vegetables you can find. Visit your local farmer’s market for the best selection.
Adjusting the Spice Level:
If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For those who love a spicy kick, feel free to add more!
Using Different Pasta Shapes:
This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, and farfalle are all great choices that hold the sauce well.
Balancing the Creaminess:
If you find the sauce too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or pasta water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with a Fresh Salad:
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich pasta dish. It adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
Garlic Bread on the Side:
Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
A Glass of Wine:
A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the flavors of the creamy sauce and spicy chicken.
Healthier Alternatives
Using Whole Wheat Pasta:
For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. It adds extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.
Light Cream Option:
Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing too much richness.
More Veggies, Less Pasta:
Increase the amount of vegetables and decrease the pasta for a lighter, veggie-forward dish.
Variations on the Recipe
Creamy Spicy Shrimp Pasta:
Swap out the chicken for shrimp to create a seafood version of this dish. Just be sure to cook the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque.
Vegetarian Creamy Pasta:
Omit the chicken and add more summer vegetables, such as eggplant or asparagus, for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Pasta Primavera with a Kick:
Turn this into a spicier version of pasta primavera by adding more fresh vegetables and a touch of heat to the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken:
Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Overcooking the Vegetables:
Summer vegetables are best when they retain a bit of their natural crunch. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can become mushy and lose their vibrant color.
Undersalting the Pasta Water:
Pasta absorbs the flavor of the water it’s cooked in, so be generous with the salt. It should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is well-seasoned.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Summer
Seasonal Ingredients:
Using fresh summer vegetables ensures that this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Light Yet Satisfying:
While the sauce is creamy, the abundance of vegetables makes this dish feel light and perfect for a warm summer evening.
Quick to Make:
Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors, and this dish comes together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the sun.
Conclusion
Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables is a dish that’s as delicious as it is versatile. The blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy cream sauce creates a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a comforting meal at home, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab those summer vegetables and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat the components and combine them with the sauce and pasta just before serving.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, light cream, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream to cool down the spice.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables are best for this dish, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, like the chicken broth and spices, are gluten-free.
Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables
When summer rolls around, fresh vegetables are abundant, and there’s nothing quite like combining them with a deliciously creamy, spicy chicken pasta. This dish offers the perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant summer vegetables, and a rich, spicy cream sauce that ties everything together. Whether you're hosting a summer dinner party or just looking for a new recipe to enjoy with your family, this Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta
- 8 oz. Chicken Breast
- 2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp. Avocado oil
- 1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper
- 2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini
- 2 tbsp. minced Jalapeno
- 1/3 cup diced Tomato
- 1/3 cup. chopped Green Onion divided
- 2 tsp. Tomato Paste
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper plus more for serving
- 1 cup Half and Half or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt & freshly cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp. per side. Set the seasoned chicken aside to rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while you chop the vegetables.
After the chicken rests, heat avocado oil in a large, nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook chicken in the oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until it has a crusty browned exterior and the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
In the same pan, cook sliced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, and minced jalapenos for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionaly, until softened. Scrape any browned bits from the pan into the veggies as they cook.
Add tomatoes, green onions, and tomato paste with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Start boiling the farfalle (bowtie) pasta in salted water around this time, and cook the pasta until al dente, which is about one minute less than the package directions call for (usually 10-12 minutes for farfalle pasta). (The pasta should finish around the same time as the creamy sauce).
Stir garlic and crushed red pepper into the pan with the cooked vegetables, and cook for 1 minute. Turn the heat beneath the pan to medium-low, stir in half and half, and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the half and half to gently simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat it in the spicy cream sauce. Grate in parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Don't discard the pasta water! Add pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, and continue tossing everything together until the sauce is as creamy as you like it!
Divide the pasta between warm bowls, and serve immediately with more crushed red pepper, green onions, and parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
please use as much or as little crushed red pepper as you like! The flavor is still fantastic without the heat, so make it to your liking! I also always serve garlic bread with this dish, and a salad if possible.