Creamy Chicken Diavolo Pasta Recipe

Do you love pasta dishes that have a little kick to them? I sure do!! If you’re like me, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Diavolo Pasta!

This spicy Diavolo pasta combines tender chicken with a spicy tomato sauce that’s enriched with red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.

“Diavolo” means “brother devil” in Italian, so you know this dish brings the heat in the best way possible. Flame on!

Tossed with al dente penne pasta and topped with creamy ricotta cheese, it’s a pasta dish that feels like a trip to your favorite Italian restaurant.

I whipped up this dish just a few weeks ago, and it was a hit! The spicy sauce clings to the pasta perfectly, and the rotisserie chicken makes it super convenient.

I’ll admit that Lily didn’t eat a lot of it. She kept saying it was super tasty but didn’t finish. Sometimes the heat can be a little much for the small ones, haha!

This stuff is made with ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s amazing what you can do with some run of the mill items.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your large skillet, and let’s get cooking some Diavolo Pasta!

1. Adjustable Heat Level: You can control how much heat you want by adjusting the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper, making it suitable for everyone’s personal preference.
2. Quick Cooking Time: With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The spicy tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh garlic and fresh herbs, creates a bold flavor that makes this pasta dish stand out.

• Penne pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Rotisserie chicken, shredded
• Roasted red peppers, sliced thin
• Fresh basil, torn
• Ricotta cheese
• Pepper

1. Cook pasta according to the directions on the back of the packaging.
2. While the pasta is cooking, assemble your ingredients and start the sauce. Add the sauce and pepper flakes to a large saute pan over medium heat.
3. Stir to combine, add in the chicken and peppers and stir to combine after each addition.
4. Let simmer until pasta is done, drain pasta and place directly into the pan.
5. Stir to combine to make sure all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
6. Place dollops of the ricotta on the pasta and tear the fresh basil directly on top. Add pepper to taste, and serve.

WHAT IS DIAVOLO?

“Diavolo” means “devil” in Italian.

In cooking, it refers to a spicy tomato sauce known as fra diavolo sauce, which is often used in Italian-American recipes.

This sauce typically includes ingredients like red pepper flakes and sometimes cayenne pepper to give it a fiery kick.

So, when you see “Diavolo” in a dish, expect a spicy sauce that’s full of bold flavors.

IS IT SPICY?

Yes, this dish is intended to be spicy, thanks to the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.

However, you can easily adjust the heat to your liking.

If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of spicy ingredients.

If you love spicy dishes, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce!

ANY ADDITIONS?

There are a lot of different ways to make this so feel free to try out anything from this list!

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for extra cheesy goodness.
• Fresh Garlic: Sauté minced fresh garlic in the sauce for added depth of flavor.
• Fresh Shrimp: Add fresh shrimp and cook until they turn pink for a seafood twist.
• Baby Spinach: Stir in fresh baby spinach for some extra greens.
• Red Bell Pepper: Include sliced red bell pepper for added crunch and sweetness.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes instead of marinara for a chunkier sauce.
• Dry White Wine: Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for a subtle zing.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for the ultimate Italian feast.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

You got it! I always like to have options for you guys. Check it out!

• Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat penne or bow tie pasta for added fiber.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Chicken Breast: Use cooked chicken breast or even whole chicken instead of rotisserie chicken.
• Cream Cheese: Swap ricotta cheese with cream cheese for a different creamy texture.
• Homemade Sauce: Make your own sauce using crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh herbs.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a large saucepan over medium heat, adding a little pasta water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months.

Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Diavolo Pasta is a delightful blend of spicy and creamy flavors that will surely become one of your favorite recipes.

It’s a great recipe for any night when you’re craving Italian food with a nice kick.