Name: Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tsp. tomato paste; 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 & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 20 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting plate that bursts with flavor and just the right amount of heat, this Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. This dish brings together tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked farfalle, and a medley of fresh summer veggies all wrapped in a silky, spicy cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and fresh at the same time, making it a definite winner any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single piece of lightly browned chicken is cooking in the center of a shiny stainless steel pan. The chicken has a golden, slightly uneven sear with some darker brown spots and is surrounded by a small pool of clear cooking oil. The pan is round with a simple handle extending out from the bottom. The whole pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish right is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own magic to the mix. From the mild creaminess of the half and half to the vibrant crunch of bell peppers and zucchini, every component plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

6 oz. dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce beautifully, catching every bit of creamy goodness.
8 oz. Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it’s the protein star that soaks up all the seasoning.
2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning: Brings a smoky, spicy kick to the chicken, setting the tone for the dish.
2 tsp. Avocado Oil: Perfect for searing Chicken evenly without overpowering flavors.
1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper: Adds bright sweetness and a pop of sunny color.
2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini: Offers a tender, fresh bite that complements the creaminess.
2 tbsp. minced Jalapeno: Delivers just enough heat to make things exciting without overwhelming.
1/3 cup diced Tomato: Contributes subtle acidity and moisture to the sauce.
1/3 cup chopped Green Onion (divided): Fresh, mild onion flavor sprinkled through the dish and on top for garnish.
2 tsp. Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce’s flavor profile with concentrated tomato richness.
1 clove Garlic, minced: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful foundation.
1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper plus more for serving: Adds a spicy counterpoint to the cream sauce.
1 cup Half and Half or heavy cream: The luscious base that creates the creamy texture.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish that ties everything beautifully.
Salt & freshly cracked Black Pepper: Essentials to bring out all the other flavors.

How to Make Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Season and Rest the Chicken

Start off by seasoning your chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, applying about half a teaspoon on each side. Letting it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes is so important because it allows the spices to really sink in and the chicken to cook evenly later on. This simple pause sets the stage for juicy and flavorful meat that will steal the show.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat avocado oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Sear your seasoned chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until it forms a crusty, golden-brown exterior and registers 165°F internally. Transfer it to a plate and tent with foil to keep it warm. This step locks in juices and layers that beloved crusty texture that makes every bite satisfying.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In that same pan—don’t clean it just yet!—sauté the zucchini, bell pepper, and minced jalapeno for 6 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally and scrape any browned bits from the pan to incorporate that deep flavor into your veggies. These summer vegetables soften but maintain a slight bite, adding freshness and vibrant color to the dish.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Add diced tomatoes, half the green onions, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes while you start boiling your farfalle pasta in salted water. Cooking pasta al dente, just about a minute less than package instructions, will keep it firm enough to perfectly mingle with the sauce. Timing everything to finish together is the key to a comforting, cohesive dish.

Step 5: Stir in Aromatics and Cream

Mix in minced garlic and crushed red pepper; cook for one minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the half and half, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 6 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens luxuriously. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—the creaminess combined with spicy heat makes for an irresistible sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add your cooked pasta right into the pan with the sauce and toss everything together, coating the farfalle beautifully. Grate in Parmesan cheese and stir again, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your ideal sauce consistency. Thin the sauce just enough so it hugs every bite while staying decadently creamy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Slice the rested chicken and nestle it on top or toss into the pasta. Serve in warm bowls garnished with extra crushed red pepper, green onions, and Parmesan cheese. Now you’ve made a stunning plate of Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe that’s as delicious as it is colorful.

How to Serve Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe

A close-up view of a pan filled with creamy bow-tie pasta mixed with orange and green vegetable pieces, likely carrots and zucchini, coated in a light orange sauce. The pasta is topped with scattered green sliced herbs and dotted with tiny red chili flakes. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pan, lifting some pasta. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a little extra Parmesan, and chopped green onions bring a lovely brightness and texture contrast just before serving. If you love heat, don’t hold back on a dash more crushed red pepper. These simple touches elevate the dish from comforting to genuinely special.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For an extra veggie boost, roasted asparagus or a chilled cucumber salad will balance the creamy spiciness perfectly without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve this pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl surrounded by small dishes of toppings like lemon zest, toasted pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves. You can also plate individual portions with a fresh herb sprig or edible flower petal for a pop of color that wows guests visually as much as the flavors dazzle their taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so give it a good stir or add a splash of cream or pasta water before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, but cream-based sauces sometimes separate after thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately from the sauce. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently so the sauce warms evenly without breaking. Adding a splash of half and half or reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and keeps it creamy and luscious, just like when freshly served.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully because it catches the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would hold the creamy spicy sauce just as well. Choose your favorite pasta shape or what you have handy in your pantry.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

This dish offers a nicely balanced spicy kick, mainly from the jalapeno, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the jalapeno and crushed red pepper. For more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for the half and half?

Yes! You can swap half and half with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy cashew-based non-dairy cream to maintain richness without dairy. Just be aware that the flavor will have subtle differences but remain delicious.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken ahead to save time on the day of cooking. However, for best texture, cook the chicken and pasta fresh before combining everything with the sauce.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No worries! You can create a quick Cajun mix using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This homemade blend works just as well to infuse the chicken with those signature spicy, smoky flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe manages to feel luxurious without being complicated, turning simple ingredients into a comforting and exciting dinner you’ll want to make again and again. The vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and that dreamy spicy cream sauce come together like a perfect summer melody on your plate. I hope you dive in and love every bite as much as I do!