Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is everything I crave in a weeknight dinner—creamy, boldly flavored, and brimming with a bit of Italian heat. Tender chunks of chicken, pasta wrapped in a dreamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes combine for a dish that’s both comforting and irresistibly zesty. It’s the taste of Tuscany with a lively kick, and I promise you’ll want it on repeat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta looks fancy, it leans on simple, readily available ingredients with Italian flair. Each one brings unmistakable richness or punch you don’t want to skip—here’s how they each shine!

• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: These bring sweet, tangy intensity and the oil adds wonderful depth to your sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up that Tuscan flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lays down the iconic foundational notes of the dish.
• Paprika or smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness or extra depth—smoked is my favorite for added warmth.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch amps up the spiciness and complements the Calabrian chili paste.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo—don’t skimp on these!
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, salty, and essential for a creamy, cheesy finish (freshly grated is best!).
• Salted butter: Gives the sauce body and balances the spice with creamy richness.
• Shallot: A little milder than onion, chopped shallot melts gently into the sauce for aromatic sweetness.
• Garlic: Just two cloves, but wow—they infuse everything with garlicky goodness.
• Crushed Calabrian chili paste: The secret for that signature, bold Tuscan spice—adjust to your heat preferences.
• Short cut pasta: Any shape you love that grabs onto sauce (penne or rigatoni work beautifully).
• Heavy cream: Creates the velvety base for your spicy sauce.
• Fresh baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding color and a hint of earthy freshness—plus, a sneaky veggie boost!

Variations

There’s so much room to make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta truly your own, depending on what you have in the pantry or your family’s dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to keep things fresh and flexible!

• Swap the Protein: Try sliced Italian sausage, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a different twist.
• Lighter Sauce: Substitute half and half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream to lighten things up.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—this sauce hugs every noodle just as well!
• Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra color and flavor.

How to Make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Start by draining about three tablespoons of that gorgeous, aromatic oil from your sun-dried tomato jar straight into your favorite large pot or deep skillet. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside—trust me, this small effort pays off big in flavor later on!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

With the pot over medium-high heat, add your chicken pieces. Sprinkle in most of the Italian seasoning, a dash of paprika (or smoked paprika for that sultry smokiness), a pinch of red pepper flakes, then season liberally with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sizzle undisturbed for about 5 minutes until beautifully golden, then stir in a bit of Parmesan for extra savoriness before scooping the chicken out to rest.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Drizzle a touch more oil into the same pot. Melt in the butter, then add the chopped shallot and garlic. Toss in the Calabrian chili paste and the last teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir and cook until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible—just about 3 minutes. This is the flavor heart of your Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Finish the Sauce

Pour in 3 1/2 cups water and bring it to a bubbling boil. Add your pasta right into the pot, letting it soak up all those savory, spicy flavors (no need for a separate pot!). Stir often as the pasta cooks, around 8 minutes, until it’s al dente. Now comes the magic—stir in the heavy cream, the reserved chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and the rest of your Parmesan. Slide the golden chicken back in, with any tasty juices from the plate, and give it all a toss.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish up your Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta while it’s steaming hot! I love to shower on extra Parmesan and a scatter of fresh basil for that true trattoria touch. The result? Creamy, spicy, and utterly tempting pasta—ready in under an hour!

How to Serve Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly restaurant-worthy finish, don’t forget to top each bowl with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes if you love it spicy, and a handful of torn basil or flat-leaf parsley. A drizzle of that leftover sun-dried tomato oil makes every plate shine!

Side Dishes

A big leafy green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances the richness of this dish beautifully, while warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are must-haves to swipe up those last drops of sauce. If you want a true Tuscan feast, add a platter of roasted veggies or simple steamed broccoli on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a wide bowl, mounding the pasta high for that irresistible trattoria look. Serving family-style in the center of the table on a big platter, garnished generously, makes for a warm, communal vibe. For date nights, pair with a glass of Italian red and stud the top with a few extra sun-dried tomatoes for a splash of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is just as delicious reheated for tomorrow’s lunch.

Freezing

This pasta freezes surprisingly well! Store in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just note that the sauce may separate a touch, but a good stir and a splash of cream or milk will perk it right up when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back creaminess. Stir often and heat just until warmed through to keep everything silky, not dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the creamy, bold, and sun-kissed flavors of Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Whether you need a quick weeknight marvel or a dinner to impress, this dish always delivers joy and warmth. I can’t wait for you to try it—your kitchen is about to feel a whole lot more Tuscan and a lot more delicious!

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