Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, any pasta that holds sauce well is perfect. Fettuccine offers a similar experience, while penne or rigatoni will catch sauce inside their tubes for flavor-packed bites. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. You'll still get wonderful flavor from the paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and other ingredients without the heat. Start with half the spicy ingredients and adjust to your preference.

Can I prep any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. You can also chop the onions and prepare the sun-dried tomatoes in advance. Having these components ready will make the cooking process even quicker when you're ready to make dinner.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and a little extra cream cheese for thickness. Evaporated milk can also work in a pinch. The sauce won't be quite as rich but will still be delicious. Just note that lower-fat substitutes may require a bit more simmering to thicken.

Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 16 ounces linguine; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water according to package instructions, finely chopped; ¼ cup (56 g) tomato paste; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 cup (240 g) chicken stock; 1 ½ cups (357 g) heavy cream; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups baby spinach

This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce creates layers of flavor that make this dish restaurant-quality with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in 35 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spare.
One-Pan Magic: The chicken and sauce cook in the same skillet, meaning fewer dishes and all those delicious browned bits get incorporated into the sauce.
Flavor Explosion: The spicy seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce and sweet sun-dried tomatoes for a taste that hits all the right notes.
Impressive Presentation: Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually quite simple to pull together. Perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Linguine: The perfect pasta for holding onto this creamy sauce. Its flat, thin shape lets every strand get coated beautifully.
Chicken breasts: The star protein that gets seasoned with a spicy rub. Slicing them horizontally creates thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly.
Paprika and cayenne pepper: These bring the signature “spicy” element to the dish, adding warmth and depth without overwhelming heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add intense sweetness and tanginess that regular tomatoes just can’t match.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Garlic: Because what Italian-inspired dish is complete without it? Adds essential pungency and aroma.
Chicken stock: Creates the base of our sauce while adding savory depth.
Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into something luxuriously silky and rich.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Crushed red pepper: For that extra kick that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the rich sauce perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the chicken and double up on vegetables. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for heartiness.

Seafood Twist

Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for an elegant seafood version that cooks even faster.

Lighter Option

Substitute half the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. It will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Herbal Enhancement

Add fresh basil or Italian parsley right before serving for a bright, fresh flavor boost.

How to Make Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining, just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Mix the paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then season both sides of the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), melt the butter and add diced onion, softened sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens, then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes. The vibrant green color will brighten up your dish beautifully.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked linguine directly into the sauce until it’s completely coated. Place the chicken breasts on top of the pasta and serve immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is at its creamiest.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice chicken evenly: Make sure your chicken cutlets are of even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t rush the sauce: Allow it to simmer gently to properly thicken and develop flavor.
Salt your pasta water: It should taste like the sea to properly flavor your pasta from the inside out.
Reserve pasta water: Keep about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water to thin your sauce if needed.
Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly it melts into the sauce.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness, or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce.

Wine Selection

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or, if you prefer red, try a medium-bodied Sangiovese that won’t overpower the flavors.

Presentation

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan, some torn fresh basil leaves, and a light drizzle of good olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this dish almost better the next day!

Freezing

This pasta doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.

Reheating

The key to reheating this pasta is to do it gently. Add a splash of milk or cream to a pan, then add the pasta and heat slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the sauce from separating and helps restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, any pasta that holds sauce well is perfect. Fettuccine offers a similar experience, while penne or rigatoni will catch sauce inside their tubes for flavor-packed bites. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. You’ll still get wonderful flavor from the paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and other ingredients without the heat. Start with half the spicy ingredients and adjust to your preference.
Can I prep any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. You can also chop the onions and prepare the sun-dried tomatoes in advance. Having these components ready will make the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready to make dinner.
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and a little extra cream cheese for thickness. Evaporated milk can also work in a pinch. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. Just note that lower-fat substitutes may require a bit more simmering to thicken.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings restaurant-quality dining right to your kitchen table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible creamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach creates a meal that feels special enough for company yet simple enough for a Tuesday night. Give yourself permission to indulge in this comforting, flavor-packed dish – I promise it’ll become a regular request in your home!