Description
This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines rustic Italian flavors with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken breast, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken slightly while stirring continuously.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet and mix until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil adds brightness but can be substituted with dried basil if necessary.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to avoid any food safety concerns.
