Go Back
–+ servings

Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy One Pot) + Video

This spicy chicken pasta is packed with flavor and it's a family favorite dinner. Make this recipe all in the same pot for easy cleanup!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 530
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2-3 jalapeño peppers (minced)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon
  • sliced jalapeño (for garnish)
  • freshly chopped Italian flat leaf parsley (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with chili powder; set aside.
  2. In a 12” pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and stir until soft, about 3 minutes. Add chicken to pan and cook until brown on both sides. Stir in garlic and cook one additional minute.
  3. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, water and sliced peppers. Stir then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 22 minutes.
  4. Uncover and cook until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 additional minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish with bacon, sliced jalapeños and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 530kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 34gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

  • For perfectly cooked chicken, look for a golden-brown color on the outside and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the skillet.
  • To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, make sure to keep an eye on the simmering process and check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
  • If you want to amp up the creaminess without additional calories, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese; just stir it in at the end for a tangy twist.
  • For quick meal prep, chop your veggies and cook the bacon a day in advance; store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
  • Leftovers can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days; reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!