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
Scale
- 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.