Q1: Can I make this spicy chicken pasta less spicy?

Yes, absolutely. Reduce or omit the harissa paste and crushed chili flakes. You can also replace them with mild smoked paprika for flavor without the heat.

Q2: What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even short-cut spaghetti. Just avoid overly delicate noodles like angel hair.

Q3: Can I substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast?

Yes, chicken breast works fine. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly than thighs. Slice it thinly to ensure even cooking.

Spicy Chicken Pasta - Superb Recipe

Description

This creamy spicy chicken pasta is a beginner-friendly one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and bold spices for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

½ pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
½ teaspoon salt for chicken, plus ½ teaspoon for sauce
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons harissa paste
⅓ cup chicken stock
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne, cooked and drained (reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water)

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Instructions

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and brown for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and let cool slightly, then slice into strips or pieces.
Add minced garlic and onion to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, chili flakes, harissa paste, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet and pour in chicken stock. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
Add heavy cream and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
Stir in cooked pasta and parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing harissa paste and chili flakes.
Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
Use any short pasta variety like rigatoni or fusilli.
Add cream cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat with a splash of stock or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 367
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 318mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 79mg