Name: Spicy Creamy Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 tsp Italian Seasoning; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper; 6 Tbsp butter; 2 cups Heavy whipping cream; 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 16 oz Ziti Pasta

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 11 reviews

Meet your new favorite weeknight comfort dish: Spicy Creamy Chicken. This crowd-pleasing recipe takes tender, juicy chicken breast, wraps it in a velvety cream sauce with just the right kick, and pairs everything with heaps of hot, cheesy pasta. Every bite balances a touch of heat with a lusciously rich, garlicky flavor that makes seconds (and thirds) irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply cozy up at home, Spicy Creamy Chicken never disappoints—with its quick prep and minimal fuss, it’s bound to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spicy Creamy Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Spicy Creamy Chicken is that it builds big flavor with a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient works its magic—lending spice, richness, or an irresistible texture that makes every bite memorable. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Chicken Breasts: Diced for faster cooking, these bring protein and soak up all the luscious sauce.
Onion: Chopped and sautéed, onion adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Italian Seasoning: This blend lights up the sauce with herby aroma, hinting at classic comfort food.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—don’t skip or skimp on this!
Pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the savoriness.
Cayenne Pepper: The secret to the “spicy” in Spicy Creamy Chicken—use a little or a lot to suit your heat preference.
Butter: For extra luscious, glossy sauce and rich flavor throughout the dish.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The key to that silky, indulgent texture we can’t resist.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh for nutty, salty depth and perfect melting quality.
Ziti Pasta: Firm tubes that hold sauce beautifully and give you a hearty base for this dish.

How to Make Spicy Creamy Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Onion

Start with a large skillet over medium heat and melt about a tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken pieces and chopped onion right away. Let everything sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes so the chicken gets a golden-brown crust, then toss occasionally until the onions are tender and fragrant. That bit of caramelization is your ticket to next-level flavor!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

As the chicken and onions cook, sprinkle on the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Don’t rush this step—the warmth helps the spices bloom and infuse their flavors into the chicken. Adjust the cayenne if you want your Spicy Creamy Chicken on the milder or hotter side.

Step 3: Add Butter and Cream

Once the chicken is nicely browned, stir in the rest of the butter, letting it melt and coat everything. Immediately pour in the heavy whipping cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic happens—the sauce starts coming together!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your skillet mixture to a gentle boil, then cover, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking, becoming juicy and tender while the sauce thickens and absorbs all those spices.

Step 5: Cook the Ziti

While your chicken is simmering away, cook your ziti pasta in salted boiling water until it’s just al dente. This way, your pasta has just the right amount of chew to stand up to the creamy sauce later.

Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan

With the chicken off the heat, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring between additions. The cheese melts into the sauce, thickening it further and boosting that nutty, salty flavor—all without becoming grainy.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Finally, add the drained ziti to your skillet and fold everything together so every bit of pasta is coated in spicy, creamy goodness. Serve it hot, with an extra shower of Parmesan on top for the grand finale. Your Spicy Creamy Chicken is ready for its spotlight!

How to Serve Spicy Creamy Chicken

Garnishes

The simplest way to level up this dish is to finish it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add chopped parsley for a bright pop of color and freshness, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper if you’re chasing more heat. A drizzle of olive oil right before serving gives extra gloss and aroma.

Side Dishes

Spicy Creamy Chicken is rich and hearty, so it plays well with cool, crisp salads—think arugula tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a vibrant tomato-cucumber salad. For a cozy touch, serve alongside buttered garlic bread or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. The fresh sides balance the creaminess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra special, serve your Spicy Creamy Chicken in shallow bowls and top with microgreens or thinly sliced scallions. If you’re hosting, divide the ziti and chicken into individual ramekins and broil for a bubbly, cheesy crust, almost like a mini pasta bake. Or, try piling the creamy chicken over toasted sourdough for a fun, open-faced “pasta toast” twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Spicy Creamy Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days—just remember to cool everything to room temperature before sealing it up for best texture.

Freezing

Although cream sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze Spicy Creamy Chicken for up to two months. Spoon individual portions into freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Give the sauce a good stir after thawing to smooth it out again.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Spicy Creamy Chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently until hot all the way through, and top with extra Parmesan to freshen up the flavor. Microwaving is fine, but do it in short intervals and stir in between to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti holds the creamy sauce beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are all great choices for Spicy Creamy Chicken. Just cook according to the package directions and use whatever you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Definitely—simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The creamy sauce and Parmesan still deliver tons of flavor, and you can always add more spice at the table if some diners want extra heat.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Try stirring in baby spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes right before adding the pasta. They add beautiful color and an extra layer of flavor without complicating the recipe.

What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan straight from the wedge blends into the sauce most smoothly and packs better flavor. Store-bought pre-grated will work in a pinch but may not melt as evenly, so add it gradually and stir well.

Can I make Spicy Creamy Chicken ahead of time?

You can! Prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance, keep it chilled, then cook the pasta fresh before serving. Combine everything and reheat gently to preserve that creamy texture—perfect for busy nights or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food with a little kick, you owe it to yourself to try Spicy Creamy Chicken. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, and every time you make it, you’ll find yourself craving just one more bite. Give it a go—you’ll see why this is a go-to favorite in so many kitchens!