Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken pieces are marinated in garlic and chili, then pan-fried and simmered in a spicy, creamy onion sauce. This rich and flavorful dish is served over pasta for a satisfying meal.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 1,222 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
main
- 600 gboneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 400 gpasta, such as penne or fettuccine
marinade
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 0.75 tspred pepper flakes
sauce
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 2 pcsyellow onion, large, halved and thinly sliced
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 0.75 tspred pepper flakes
- 480 mlheavy cream
- 1 tspsalt, or to taste
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
garnish
- 60 gparmesan cheese, grated
Equipment
large skillet · bowl · large pot · colander · cutting board · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the garlic and red pepper flakes designated for the marinade.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: A resealable plastic bag also works well for marinating.
- 2
Mix well to coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: If you're short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating will enhance the flavor.
- 3
When ready to cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
About 10 min
- 4
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- 5
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
About 1 min
- 6
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes for the sauce and cook gently for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Infusing the oil with garlic and chili at a low temperature builds a deep flavor base.
- 7
Add the sliced onions to the skillet, increase heat to medium, and sauté until soft and tender, about 8-10 minutes.
About 10 min
- 8
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns rather than steams.
- 9
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
About 3 min
- 10
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper.
About 5 min
- 11
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 12
Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 1,222.4kcal
- Protein
- 68.5g
- Carbs
- 90.2g
- Fat
- 66g
- Fibre
- 5.4g
- Sugar
- 12.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.