Chicken Diavolo Pasta is quite possibly my favorite pasta dish! Why is it called the devil’s chicken pasta you might ask. Diavolo, the Italian word for “devil,” speaks to the spiciness or “fire” in this dish. It also means that it is sinfully delicious!
This recipe for Chicken Diavolo Pasta is made with fresh baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and bow tie “Farfalle” pasta. It is also a creamy pasta, which really balances the level of spice. Aside from tasting absolutely delicious, this is such a quick and easy dinner to make! It also only requires one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. Gotta love that! If you have any leftovers, this meal is great reheated.
Personally, I love the heat in this dish! A fiery pasta is exactly what I crave during the cold winter months. I love both the flavor and the fact that cayenne pepper is a great metabolic booster… which is awesome when you are eating a big bowl of creamy pasta! Cayenne pepper is also a circulatory stimulant that has detoxification and anti-bacterial properties. If you do not like spicy, just reduce or omit the cayenne and you will still have a very tasty chicken pasta. However, if you really like spicy, then spice it up with some extra cayenne! I actually add extra cayenne pepper to my own bowl but limit the amount that I use in the pan for my daughter’s sake.
Note: The printable recipe is located at the end of this post. Please visit The Scoop for my latest posts or you can search or browse my Recipe Index.
Ingredients needed to make Chicken Diavolo Pasta:
- bow tie/Farfalle pasta – cooked and drained.
- fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces.
- olive oil
- cayenne pepper – adjust to your personal preference.
- crushed red pepper flakes – adjust to your personal preference.
- minced garlic
- unsalted butter
- heavy cream
- grated parmesan cheese
- fresh baby spinach – chopped or torn with stems removed.
- sun-dried tomatoes – chopped
- optional: salt and pepper to taste – I do not think it needs any but everyone is different.
How to make Creamy Chicken Diavolo Pasta:
First, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, chop the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. While you are making the Chicken Diavolo, boil your pasta according to the package instructions and drain when finished. Note: Make sure you add salt to your pasta water.
In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the olive oil and cayenne pepper. Swirl to combine. Cook the chicken in the spicey oil until fully cooked, about 8 minutes but times may vary. Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until butter is completely melted.
Add the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low then add the parmesan cheese to the pan and whisk quickly to combine, just heating through.
Finally, stir in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked, drained pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!
More Easy Pasta Recipes
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Pumpkin Fettucine Alfredo
- Creamy Sage Turkey Pasta and Peas
- Easy Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Italian Ravioli
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| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 12 ounces bow tie pasta cooked and drained
- 1 lb. fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper adjust to your personal preference.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to your personal preference.
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach chopped or torn with stems removed.
- 6 ounces sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- optional: Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients
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- First, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, chop the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. While you are making the Chicken Diavolo, boil your pasta according to the package instructions and drain when finished. Note: Make sure you add salt to your pasta water.
- In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the olive oil and cayenne pepper. Swirl to combine. Cook the chicken in the spicy oil until fully cooked, about 8 minutes but times may vary.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until butter is completely melted. Add the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add the parmesan cheese to the pan and whisk quickly to combine, just heating through. Finally, stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and drained pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!
If you do not like spicy, just reduce or omit the cayenne and you will still have a very tasty chicken pasta. However, if you really like spicy, then spice it up with some extra cayenne!
Made this delicious dinner tonight and my husband can’t stop saying “Ohhh this is delicious…” We like things a little spicier so I added more cayenne pepper and red pepper chili flakes. This is one recipe I will definitely make again!!
I’m happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the pasta, and thank you so much for the compliment, Stephanie!
I almost never comment on a recipe.. This was a huge hit. I added mushrooms. I only grabbed one box of pasta and ended up doubling the recipe so it def needed another box but that was my fault. Totally making this again! Thank you
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the Chicken Diavolo Pasta, it is one of my favorites. Thank you for such a nice compliment, and for taking the time. I truly appreciate it!
Do you think adding mushrooms would be good with this?
Yes, mushrooms go well with this. I also have a few creamy mushroom pasta recipes, if you want to take a look at those for help with adding the mushrooms.
I made this the other night and it was amazing! After just a few bites I was told I would definitely have to make it again.
That’s great, Rachel! Thank you so much for the compliment. I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the pasta!
This is one of the best dishes ever! My 88 year old mom even said that it was probably the best thing she had ever eaten. My family agrees!
I’m so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the pasta. Thank you so much for the compliment! And please tell your mom that I truly appreciate such kind words. Your comment brightened my day.
Made this recipe as shared and it was a complete winner! THANKS FOR SHARING
Thank you for the compliment, Danielle! I love hearing that!
Really happy with this recipe, the chicken al diavolo pasta is my absolute favorite menu item at Barnelli’s Pasta Bowl. This is the first recipe I’ve found that is really similar to it, and tastes every bit as good (maybe even better…)
Thank you so much, Kevin! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the Chicken Diavolo Pasta! It is one of my favorite recipes and I truly appreciate the compliment. Happy cooking!
I soooo enjoyed this!! It’s delicious. Followed recipe exactly, quick & easy dinner. Can’t wait to tell my sister and nephews lol will be definitely making this again!
Thank you so much, Penny! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the pasta and I truly appreciate the compliment. I hope that your family enjoys it as well!
My husband and I LOVE this recipe!! I do double the sun dried tomatoes (I have a slight obsession) and extra spinach. A staple in our home for sure! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Thank you so much, Kelly, I love hearing that! This is one of my favorites. I am happy to hear that you both love it too!
Can I use no chicken? Would it taste a lot different?
Yes, you can easily omit the chicken and it will still taste great!
Has anyone ever made this with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use shrimp and it is delicious! You can use my Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe for instructions on the shrimp.
My grandchildren don’t like sun dried tomatoes. How do you think it would be to substitute bacon ? Thanks
Bacon sounds awesome and I think it would be delicious! You can also use regular diced tomatoes if they just don’t like the sun dried variety. I hope that you all enjoy it!
That sounds good. I don’t like them either so to skip them and still have the flavor I would add a little tomato sauce. Just my opinion. Good luck!
Love this recipe. I was looking for something easy and that tastes good too. Fabulous is how it is. I will be making this again
Thank you so much, Judy! I am so glad that you liked it!
Do you use grated parmesan cheese
Yes, grated works best.
Loved this! To cut back on the fat I used coconut milk instead of the cream. Next time I will add more spinach.
Thank you Mary Beth! So glad you liked it. Sounds like a nice healthy twist!
This recipe was a hit with my family we all loved it ! I cut back on the Cayanne pepper just a little but still used it to cook the chicken in the oil with it and it was fabulous . All of the ingredients meshed together beautifully. Looked like a dish that would be served in a restaurant. There is just enough spice in this to keep coming back for seconds and keeps it interesting , I definitely will be making this time and time again. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Debbie! I am so glad that you and your family enjoyed it! If you liked this, you might also enjoy my new Cajun Shrimp Pasta.
I too would like to make it for a friend who will have to reheat. Has anyone reheated day after you’ve prepared it?
Yes, you can reheat it in the microwave for 1 – 2 minutes, stirring half way through. It may need more time depending on the quantity and your microwave. Use a microwave safe container that is covered and vented.
This recipe is BOOMING on every aspect! Flavor, appearance (I care less for this for any recipe as long as it delivers on flavaa 😉 ), and easy to make! Love it and can’t wait to spice it up with extra cayenne for my bowl!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it!
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Hi Sue,
Yes, you could make it ahead and reheat it. However, for a dinner party, I would serve it fresh. It only takes 15 minutes. I would have all of my ingredients chopped, prepared and measured out. Then make it just before they arrived. Leave it in the pan, on the stove with the heat turned off, and put a lid on it to keep it warm. I don’t know how many guests you are having, but you might want to double the recipe. Everyone always eats way more than 1 serving of this pasta!
I hope this helps. Good luck with your party!
A good dish that serves up the heat. I’m not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes so I just used some fresh cherry tomatoes. Nice dish that has a good dose of vegetables, that’s fast and easy to make.
I love cherry tomatoes as well! Great alternative!
This was delicious! We loved it, I only used a few large pieces of sundried tomatoes. Alfredo sauce is delicious, loved the addition of spinach! Great recipe!
Thank you so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!