Indulge in Creamy Spicy Chicken Baked Pasta
Are you searching for a comforting yet exciting meal suitable for a hectic weeknight? Well, look no more than this creamy spicy chicken-baked pasta! The dish is a combination of different tastes, where one gets a chance to enjoy rich creamy classic baking and at the same time have real spices. It’s one of those meals that when eating makes you feel warm from the inside with comfort.
Pretend as if there is a delicate chicken made in soft cheese sauce which is combined with al dente pasta and then roasted until it turns golden brown. This spicy chicken pasta recipe provides plenty of taste and is simple to prepare. You are about to get your best thing on any weeknight trust me!
Gather Your Pantry Staples
Before we dive into the fun part of cooking, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Don’t worry, this recipe doesn’t require a long grocery list! You probably already have most of these items in your kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt and pepper
Let’s Create a Flavorful Pasta Bake
Get ready to let your inner chef go wild! It is time to convert these simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Make the pasta: In a saucepan, bring plenty of water with some salt added to it to a boil. Cook as directed on the package but ensure that you drain it one minute before completely cooked (al dente). Keep aside.
Prepare chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper your chicken cubes. Cook until golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove from the pan then set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Into a similar frying pan, add minced garlic and onion that has been diced up. Soften and fragrance for about 2-3 minutes on fire.
Make creamy sauce: To the same skillet, mix in heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese as well as Parmesan cheese. Continuously stir up until when all the cheese has melted inside. Leason according to desired spice level with red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil.
Bring everything together: Add your boiled pasta plus chicken back to the frying pan; Stir all together until the pasta is covered fully with creamy sauce
Bake perfectly: Grease a baking tray then transfer your pasta mixture onto it. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over its topmost layer. Put in an oven for around twenty-five minutes or until it starts turning slightly brownish on top plus bubbling at about 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C)
Elevate Your Spicy Chicken Pasta
Do you want to convert this from the traditional way? Here are some amazing, easy ways of customizing your spicy chicken pasta recipe!
Change the pasta shapes: Penne is a good selection but use something different. The texture for your pizza bake can be exciting like Rigatoni or shells.
Adjust the heat: If you want it hot, try another chili pepper or add more red pepper flakes. However, if you do not want it too strong, you might decrease or skip the red chili flakes.
Add veggies: Some vegetables can make spaghetti more nutritious when added. All of them shall include sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, and broccoli florets.
Use other proteins too: Chicken is common but you have the freedom to try out other protein sources as well. Examples include shrimp, sausage, and tofu although they may vary slightly from each other.
Serve with sides: Even though spicy chicken pasta tastes nice on its own, many dishes go well with it. This meal goes well with fresh green salad as well as garlic bread.
Nutritional Overview
We can only give an approximate figure since we are not sure of how much exactly it would be. For you to get accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and specify the portion sizes of the ingredients.
However, let’s look at its nutritional aspects. This is a creamy spicy chicken baked pasta which is surely yummy but does not sound so healthy anymore. Although this meal is satisfying and comforting, it contains several sources of protein like chicken or complex carbohydrates such as pasta that will give you energy throughout your day. Nonetheless, this means that you have to consume more calories beyond those contained in the creamy sauce and cheese.
So let’s lighten things up by substituting some heavy cream with Greek yogurt when making this recipe. Additionally, whole-wheat pasta will make it healthier while vegetables increase its nutrient content. Remember moderation! Now go eat all your pasta dishes but also remember to include enough fruits, vegetables, and lean meats in your daily meals.
FAQ
Do you have any questions about our creamy spicy baked chicken pasta? We do have the answers!
Can I use another type of pasta?
Definitely! As much as penne is a traditional choice, try other types like shells, rigatoni, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
How can I make this recipe less hot?
If you would prefer something not as spicy, then you could reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether. Alternatively, after serving it with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream heat could help in balancing flavors.
Can I make this dish beforehand?
Certainly, there are some elements which can be prepared ahead of time. Cook your chicken and pasta separately and keep them in a refrigerator. Prepare your sauce when ready for assembling combine everything and bake it.
What else can I serve with it?
This is a perfect hearty pasta that goes well with many side dishes such as; fresh green salad gently dressed vinaigrette or crispy garlic bread served alongside it.
