Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Veggies: A Delicious Delight

This spicy chicken pasta with summer veggies is a creamy, savory dish that brings vibrant flavors to your weeknight dinners. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for family meals or meal prep. Packed with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish everyone will love!

Quick & Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Veggies

Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Pasta

• 6 oz dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta
• 1 large Chicken Breast (approx. 8 oz)
• 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
• 2 tsp Avocado Oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper
• 2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini
• 2 tbsp Minced Jalapeno (seeds and membranes removed for milder heat)
• 1/3 cup diced Tomato (or halved cherry tomatoes)
• 1/3 cup chopped Green Onions (divided)
• 2 tsp Tomato Paste
• 1 Garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (plus more for serving)
• 1 cup Half and Half (or heavy cream)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for serving)
• Salt and freshly cracked Black Pepper

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

You can easily customize this recipe. Boneless chicken thighs work well instead of chicken breasts. For a richer flavor, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. Feel free to swap in any small pasta shape you like, such as penne or shells. You can also choose any bell pepper color—orange or red adds sweetness!

How to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Veggies

Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, using 1/2 tsp on each side. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables. This allows the flavors to infuse.

Sauté the Summer Vegetables

In a large nonstick pan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until it’s beautifully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer it to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and keep it warm.

In the same pan, add zucchini, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until they soften and caramelize slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Build the Creamy Spicy Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes, half of the green onions, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Let this cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld those delicious flavors together. As the veggies are cooking, bring salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Cook the Pasta and Combine

Cook the farfalle according to package instructions until al dente, roughly 10–12 minutes. Meanwhile, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture, cooking for an additional minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the half and half, allowing it to simmer gently for 6–7 minutes until it thickens.

Once the pasta is done, reserve a bit of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Toss the cooked pasta in with the creamy sauce, gradually adding reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve your desired creaminess. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining green onions.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Serve the spicy chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra red pepper flakes and Parmesan on top. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet remains healthy.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a small nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce for a delicious second serving.

Related Recipes to try

• One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
• Crack Chicken Spaghetti
• Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Sheet Pan Chicken

FAQs

Conclusion

This spicy chicken pasta with summer veggies is not just a meal; it’s an experience! With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. For more delicious ideas, check out Pinterest where you can find inspiration for your next culinary adventure!

Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Veggies: A Delicious Delight

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh summer vegetables tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 3 servings

Equipment

• Large nonstick pan
• plate
• foil
• pot for pasta

Ingredients

  

• 6 oz dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta
• 1 large Chicken Breast (approx. 8 oz)
• 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
• 2 tsp Avocado Oil (or olive oil)
• ½ cup diced Orange Bell Pepper
• ⅔ cup thinly sliced Zucchini
• 2 tbsp Minced Jalapeno (seeds and membranes removed for milder heat)
• ⅓ cup diced Tomato (or halved cherry tomatoes)
• ⅓ cup chopped Green Onions (divided)
• 2 tsp Tomato Paste
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (plus more for serving)
• 1 cup Half and Half (or heavy cream)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for serving)
• Salt and freshly cracked Black Pepper

For Serving

• extra red pepper flakes
• green onions
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Season chicken breast with Cajun seasoning and let it rest while you prep the vegetables.
• Cook the seasoned chicken in a heated pan until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
• In the same pan, sauté zucchini, bell pepper, and jalapeno until softened, scraping up any browned bits.
• Add tomatoes, half of the green onions, and tomato paste to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
• Stir minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes into the vegetable mixture and cook for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Pour in half and half and simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese and the remaining green onions. Serve immediately with optional toppings.

Notes

• For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of half and half. Any small pasta shape works well. Use bell peppers of any color, but orange or red are preferred for sweetness.
• Adjust the heat level by removing seeds and membranes from the jalapeno. Cajun seasonings can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
• Do not discard pasta water; it is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Reheat leftovers in a pan with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Reheat in a small nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water to loosen the sauce.

Notes

This spicy chicken pasta with summer veggies is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Adjust the spice level to your preference by modifying the amount of jalapeno and red pepper flakes. The reserved pasta water is key to creating a perfectly creamy sauce.

Keyword cajun chicken, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, summer vegetables