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This simple one pot Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect winter dinner. Quick, easy, hearty, and so delicious! Pan-seared Italian seasoned chicken in a creamy Italian chili sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cooked together with rigatoni pasta for a quick dinner made in one pot. Truly one of those all-in-one dinners that everyone at the table will love. Elegant enough for a special holiday dinner yet equally great to make at the end of a busy day. You can’t go wrong with this chicken pasta recipe.
Growing up, Valentine’s Day was definitely more of a holiday celebrated at school than at home. In our house, a house full of boys, no one cared much for Valentine’s Day. Even my mom, who you’d think might have some interest, does not care for the holiday. My dad refers to it as a “Hallmark Holiday“.
But there was one person in my life who always made Valentine’s Day special, my Nonnie. No matter where she was, Florida or Cleveland, she’d send us a small gift for V-Day every year. She always made it special and fun.
I can’t say that Valentine’s Day is my favorite day of the year, but I honestly find the holiday of love to be very sweet. I love any excuse to bake chocolate and make a yummy dinner that feels super special.
On Friday, I shared what I’ll be making for my Valentine’s Day dessert. With today’s pasta dish we now have a full Valentine’s Day meal (I do have another fun dessert coming tomorrow too!)
And if where you live is as booked up for dinner reservations as it is here in New York, you’re going to want to stay in and cook!! And this creamy chicken pasta, which also happens to be super easy, is just perfect.
Here are details
I mentioned last week sometime that I’ve really been enjoying cooking with Italian jarred Calabrian chili paste. I’m finding it so delicious and a great way to add a small amount of spice and flavor to my Italian-inspired dishes.
I wanted to make a red pasta for Valentine’s Day that was not tomato based. It’s funny, this is actually a request I get often. Apparently, not everyone enjoys a tomato heavy pasta.
You’ll want to start with sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. Yes, these are tomatoes, but they’re stirred, and so different than fresh or canned. I love them so much. Drain the oil and save that for cooking. Then chop the tomatoes.
Now add the chicken, I used breasts but you could also use chicken thighs and Italian seasoning to a big pot that will also fit your pasta. Cook the chicken until browned, then add a bit of parmesan cheese. The cheese melts on the chicken, then turns crispy.
Once you’ve cooked the chicken, add the chilies and other spices/seasonings into the pot with some oil. Let that cook for a minute, then add water or chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Now add the pasta and let the pasta cook until it’s al dente. I like to use rigatoni, but penne pasta is also great.
At this point, all you need to do is add some milk or cream and a handful of spinach. Then more parmesan and mix, mix, mix.
As soon as the cheese melts. Serve the pasta directly from the pot with fresh basil on top. It’s going to smell and look incredible, so you’ll want to eat it all up right away!
I recommend some soft bread on the side like a garlic roll or maybe beer bread. A crusty no-knead bread could also be delicious.
Then a big Caesar-style salad would be great as well! Super elegant, even romantic meal, right? It could be wonderful for tomorrow night! Hope you all enjoy this as much as I do! Leftovers are great stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Looking for winter pasta recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Pesto Tortellini Zuppa Toscana
Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta
One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Basil Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Prosciutto, and Arugula
southerSouthern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Lastly, if you make this Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 622 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 1 jar (8 ounce) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning (see note)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- 1. Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large pot or skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.2. Set the pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, the paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup parmesan, cook another minute, then remove the chicken from the pot.3. To the same pot, add a drizzle of oil and the butter. Add the shallot, garlic, Calabrian chili paste, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add 3 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, 8 minutes. Stir in the cream, spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and remaining 3/4 cup parmesan. Slide the chicken in, and any juices left on the plate.4. Serve the pasta topped with fresh parmesan and basil.
Notes
Italian Seasoning: Mix 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon dried sage. Store in a sealed container.
This post was originally published on February 13, 2023
I’ve made this a couple of times now! With a couple of substitutions like instead of the Caribbean chili paste just regular chili pasta sauce and also regular spinach instead of the baby spinach. It was good every time!! Thank u for this recipe 🙂
Hey there,
Awesome!! Love to hear you have been enjoying this recipe, thanks a lot for making it! xT
Very tasty and easy to make. The family loved it. I didn’t have spinach, so I added arugula instead, which worked. I also used yoghurt instead of cream (which someone else suggested), and that worked well. The crushed Calabrian chili paste is very spicy – 2 T was more than enough. Don’t skimp on the sundried tomatoes or parmesan!
Thanks for another delicious recipe Tieghan.
Thanks so much, Valerie! Love to hear this recipe turned out well for you. I appreciate you making it! Have a great weekend! xx
Tried this tonight. The only diversion was I used 2 cups of water and 1 1/2 chicken broth. Family loved it!
I’ll make this again! Thanks!
Thanks so much, Kate:) Love to hear this dish turned out well for you, I appreciate you making it! Have a great Thursday!
You must be a witch because every recipe that I follow to a “T” comes out perfect, including this one. Thank you for the years of delicious meals that I have been able to cook and share with my loved ones. Also, every time I cook for any gathering of loved ones I share your name and give flowers where credits due. You impact people more than you can imagine. Once again, thank you and keep them coming.
Yay!! Lol love to hear this, Devon! Thank you so much for making this recipe and your comment! Have a great weekend! xx
Can you freeze this?
Hi Amy,
Yes, that would work nicely for you! I hope you love this dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
We LOVED this – followed the recipe exactly. I may try adding some sautéed mushrooms next time. So happy to have a new 10/10 meal in the rotation! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Amanda! So glad to hear this recipe turned out nicely for you:) Thanks for making it!
I added an extra cup of water because there wasn’t enough liquid to cook the pasta.
Thanks for trying this recipe, I hope it was delicious!
Could you sub ground beef?
Hi Ash,
Sure, I don’t see why not. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try!
Recipe is so yummy but instructions are awfully written out. 😊
Hi Amanda,
Glad to hear this recipe was enjoyed. Sorry to hear the instructions were not helpful, please let me know how I can change them:)
Can I make ahead
Hey Julie,
Yes, that would be just fine for you to do! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Had trouble with the amount of water for the pasta – might try and pre cook the pasta next time instead. Would you add any water in that case or skip entirely? I’d think you’d still need a bit?
Hi Aaron,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback! Sure, I would try reducing the water if you pre-cook the pasta. I hope this helps! xx
We loved this recipe which I followed exactly. It’s the perfect amount of spicy and pretty easy and quick to make…yum!
Hey Pat,
Happy Friday!! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your feedback, love to hear it turned out well! xx
Hi, can you use a long cut pasta for.thos recipe?
Hey Sarah,
Sure, that should work nicely for you. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Hi, what do you suggest you substitute for the chili paste? I was thinking maybe harissa?
Hi Aly,
Sure, that would work for you. You can also omit, no big deal:) I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
Hi,
I made it tonight and it was delicious 😀 I halved the whole recipe to suit 2 people, substituted harissa for the chilli paste and used Greek yoghurt instead of cream (so it wasn’t so rich) all worked well. Great recipe thanks!
Hey Aly,
Amazing!! Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed, I appreciate you making it! Have the best weekend:) xx
Question: this pasta doesn’t call for draining after cooking…I plan to make it but don’t want to botch it…no draining then?
Hey Marilyn,
Correct, no draining needed here:) I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
Made for a dinner party, rave reviews from all. It is very delicious. Did have to sub Chinese style chili paste. Will definitely make this part of our rotating menu.
Thanks so much, Tony! So glad to hear you enjoyed this dish, I appreciate you making it! Have a wonderful weekend! xT