Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables

Indulge in the comforting blend of rich creaminess and bold spices with this Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta featuring fresh summer vegetables. This dish brings together tender chicken breast paired with vibrant zucchini, sweet orange bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes, all coated in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat and freshness that excites the palate and warms the soul.

Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner for two or impressing a loved one with your culinary skills, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The combination of farfalle pasta’s unique bowtie shape with the creamy, spicy sauce and crisp vegetables creates delightful textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 6 oz. dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta: Provides a chewy, fun shape that holds the sauce beautifully for an enjoyable texture contrast.
• 8 oz. Chicken Breast: Lean protein seasoned with Cajun spices, delivering tender and flavorful bites.
• 2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning: A zesty mix of spices that brings a smoky, spicy kick to the dish.
• 2 tsp. Avocado Oil: Used for sautéing, it offers a high smoke point and subtle buttery flavor without overpowering the ingredients.
• 1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color, complementing the heat with mild natural sweetness.
• 2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini: Light and tender vegetable that absorbs flavors while adding freshness and nutrients.
• 2 tbsp. minced Jalapeno: Packs a mild to medium heat that enhances the dish’s spicy character.
• 1/3 cup diced Tomato: Juicy and slightly tangy, they help build depth to the sauce and balance richness.
• 1/3 cup chopped Green Onion, divided: Adds a mild onion flavor and fresh green color both in the sauce and as garnish.
• 2 tsp. Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for rich umami and a touch of acidity in the sauce.
• 1 clove Garlic, minced: Provides aromatic pungency that deepens the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
• 1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper, plus more for serving: Adds extra heat and visual appeal; adjust amount for personal spice preference.
• 1 cup Half and Half or Heavy Cream: Creates the silky, creamy base of the sauce that coats every ingredient delightfully.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that enhances the sauce and ties the dish together.
• Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all flavors perfectly.

Instructions

Season Chicken with Cajun Spice

Generously coat both sides of the chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, using about ½ teaspoon per side. This resting period allows the spices to penetrate, building deep flavor before cooking.

Sear Chicken Until Golden and Cooked Through

Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large nonstick pan. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring a golden crust forms. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results. Then, tent the chicken with foil to rest and retain moisture.

Sauté Summer Vegetables

Using the same pan, add zucchini, bell pepper, and jalapenos. Sauté gently for 6-7 minutes until tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally. Scrape browned bits off the pan to enrich the vegetable flavors.

Add Tomatoes, Green Onions, and Tomato Paste

Mix in diced tomatoes, half the green onions, and tomato paste along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the mixture, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.

Cook Farfalle Pasta to Al Dente

Simultaneously, start boiling salted water and cook pasta for 1 minute less than package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes. This ensures pasta remains firm and completes cooking in the sauce later without becoming mushy.

Create Spicy Cream Sauce

Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper to the veggies, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas. Lower heat to medium-low, stir in half and half, and let it gently simmer for 6-7 minutes until thickened and luscious, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Toss Pasta with Sauce and Finish

Drain pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add pasta to the pan and toss well into the spicy cream sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan for a silky finish. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to achieve desired creaminess and perfect sauce consistency.

Serve Warm with Toppings

Slice rested chicken and arrange over the pasta. Garnish with extra crushed red pepper, green onions, and Parmesan cheese for a vibrant, flavorful presentation. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy spicy chicken pasta with garlic bread to mop up extra sauce and a crisp green side salad for freshness. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy and spicy flavors well.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta type for this dish?

Yes, other short pasta like penne or rigatoni work well. Choose shapes that hold sauce effectively.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level is moderate thanks to Cajun seasoning and jalapeno but can be adjusted by reducing or increasing crushed red pepper.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Shrimp or turkey breast are great alternatives and cook quickly in this recipe.

What can I do if I don’t have half and half?

You can use heavy cream for a richer taste or whole milk thinned with a bit of butter to approximate half and half.

How do I avoid the sauce separating?

Simmer the cream gently over low heat and stir frequently. Adding reserved pasta water helps maintain creamy texture.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well but add fresh garnishes after warming for best flavor and appearance.

Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta

This creamy, spicy chicken pasta features tender chicken, fresh summer vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce with Cajun seasoning and Parmesan, perfect for a satisfying main course.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 2 people

Calories 497 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large nonstick pan for cooking chicken and vegetables
• 1 pot for boiling pasta

Ingredients

  

• 6 oz dry Farfalle bowtie pasta
• 8 oz chicken breast
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsp avocado oil
• 1/2 cup diced orange bell pepper
• 2/3 cup thinly sliced zucchini
• 2 tbsp minced jalapeno
• 1/3 cup diced tomato
• 1/3 cup chopped green onion divided
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper plus more for serving
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, using about 1/2 tsp per side, then let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Heat avocado oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through; remove and keep warm tented with foil.
• In the same pan, sauté zucchini, bell pepper, and jalapeno for 6 to 7 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits.
• Add tomatoes, half the green onions, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt; cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Start boiling the farfalle pasta in salted water and cook until al dente, about one minute less than package instructions.
• Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper, cook for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium-low and add half and half; simmer gently for 6 to 7 minutes until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat; grate in Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
• If needed, add reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon to achieve desired creaminess.
• Serve the pasta in warm bowls topped with remaining green onions, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper to taste.

Notes

• Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level.
• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.