Hello food lovers! If you’re craving a dish that’s both creamy and spicy, you’ve come to the right place. This Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne packs a punch with a flavorful arrabbiata sauce, tender chicken, and a rich creaminess that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with something special, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in under 40 minutes!
Introduction
Who doesn’t love a good pasta dish? Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne takes the classic comfort of penne pasta and adds a bold twist with spicy arrabbiata sauce and tender chicken. Originating from Italy, Arrabbiata sauce is known for its fiery kick, thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. Combining this with the creaminess of the sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors that appeals to both spice lovers and those who enjoy a smooth, rich texture.
I personally love making this dish when I want to elevate my weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. The cream balances the heat perfectly, and every bite feels indulgent yet satisfying.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne, you’ll need:
- 9 ounces penne
- 14 ounces chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 5.5 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1 ¾ cups tomato purée
- ½ cup cream (20% fat)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sambal oelek (more or less to taste)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Sweet paprika
- Dried oregano
- Dried sage
Optional substitutions:
- For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms. If you prefer a lighter cream, feel free to substitute with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though it will slightly change the flavor.
How to Make Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne:
- Cook the penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown.
- Cook the aromatics: Stir in the shallot and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until they soften. Then, add the salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, and sage. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the sauce base: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom to release the browned bits. Add the tomato paste and sambal oelek, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture darkens slightly.
- Incorporate the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes. Then, pour in the tomato purée. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the cream, Parmesan, and parsley, allowing the sauce to cook for an additional minute. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta in the creamy, spicy sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Adjusting the spice level: If you’re not a fan of intense heat, you can dial back the sambal oelek or crushed red pepper flakes. For those who want more of a fiery kick, feel free to add extra!
- Perfect pasta texture: To get that perfect al dente bite, make sure to cook your penne according to the package instructions. Test a piece a minute before the suggested cooking time to ensure it’s not overcooked.
Cooking Tips
- Using a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for this recipe to prevent the chicken and aromatics from sticking and burning. It also helps when deglazing the pan, ensuring those flavorful brown bits get incorporated into the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce: Add a touch more cream or Parmesan to enrich the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairing ideas: Serve your Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne alongside a light green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to balance out the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta is also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
- Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like a Chianti would complement the creamy and spicy elements of the dish wonderfully.
Nutritional Information
This Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne dish is indulgent, yet packed with nutrients:
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: 800 IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 220mg
- Iron: 3mg
This recipe is a great source of protein and calcium, thanks to the chicken and Parmesan. Additionally, the tomatoes offer a nice dose of Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: When reheating, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as it heats up, stirring frequently.
- Creative leftovers: Try transforming your leftovers into a baked pasta dish by topping it with mozzarella and placing it in the oven until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or even mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option. - What can I use instead of sambal oelek?
You can substitute sambal oelek with sriracha or even crushed red pepper flakes, though each will provide a slightly different flavor profile. - How can I reduce the fat content?
Use a light cream or even a plant-based alternative like almond or oat cream to reduce the fat without sacrificing the creaminess of the dish.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne, here are a few more recipes you might love:
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne as much as I do! It’s a fantastic balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or even your own creative twists on the recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne with a Kick of Arrabbiata Sauce
Description
Hello food lovers! If you’re craving a dish that’s both creamy and spicy, you’ve come to the right place. This Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne packs a punch with a flavorful arrabbiata sauce, tender chicken, and a rich creaminess that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with something special, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 9 ounces penne
- 14 ounces chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 5.5 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1 ¾ cups tomato purée
- ½ cup cream (20% fat)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sambal oelek (more or less to taste)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Sweet paprika
- Dried oregano
- Dried sage
Instructions
- Cook the penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown.
- Cook the aromatics: Stir in the shallot and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until they soften. Then, add the salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, and sage. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the sauce base: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom to release the browned bits. Add the tomato paste and sambal oelek, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture darkens slightly.
- Incorporate the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes. Then, pour in the tomato purée. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the cream, Parmesan, and parsley, allowing the sauce to cook for an additional minute. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta in the creamy, spicy sauce.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Adjusting the spice level: If you’re not a fan of intense heat, you can dial back the sambal oelek or crushed red pepper flakes. For those who want more of a fiery kick, feel free to add extra!
- Perfect pasta texture: To get that perfect al dente bite, make sure to cook your penne according to the package instructions. Test a piece a minute before the suggested cooking time to ensure it’s not overcooked.
