If you’re craving a dish that delivers creamy comfort with a vibrant kick, the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe is absolutely your go-to. This delightful blend of perfectly seasoned chicken strips, luscious creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a harmonious balance of heat and flavor that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Every bite bursts with warmth from the Cajun-inspired spices, while the Parmesan cheese adds that irresistible richness you’ll find yourself wanting again and again. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up on any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe plays a critical role, coming together to build layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous, inviting color. From the robust spices to the creamy components, these essentials are what make this dish truly unforgettable.
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite shape for a perfect bite every time.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips: Tender and lean, ideal to soak up the spices.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps with browning the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and enhances depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Provides a smoky, sweet warmth that’s essential for the Cajun flair.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs a punch and layers in aromatic intensity.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Subtly sweet with depth to complement the garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: The secret to that signature spicy kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers floral hints that balance the spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors brilliantly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for steady warmth and nuance.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Infuses freshness and savory richness when sautéed.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The luscious, velvety foundation of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Delivers a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into creamy perfection with a nutty, salty finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—this means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, then set it aside. This straightforward step creates the perfect texture that partners flawlessly with the creamy sauce and spicy chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix and Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips evenly in this vibrant spice mixture, coating every piece well. This step infuses the chicken with the bold flavors that make the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving it a good stir and bringing it to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens lightly, creating that luscious, velvety texture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together so that every noodle and chicken piece is coated generously in the creamy sauce. Once everything is mixed well and heated through, it’s ready to be served.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the creamy richness. For an extra touch, you might add a light dash of smoked paprika or even some freshly grated Parmesan to amp up that cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, like a tangy arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or even some roasted vegetables seasoned simply with olive oil and sea salt. These sides help balance the richness and bring fresh textures to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls for a rustic, family-style feel or individually twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Adding toasted bread on the side to mop up the creamy sauce is always a welcome addition that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best to loosen it up slightly when reheating.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Freeze the chicken and pasta with the sauce in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its silky consistency. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and to warm the chicken evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the sauce can separate and the texture may suffer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine work wonderfully, you can swap in rigatoni, farfalle, or even linguine depending on your preference. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
How spicy is the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe?
The cayenne pepper provides a pleasant heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice tolerance, making it milder or hotter as you please.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes! If you want to reduce the richness, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and less thick. For an even lighter take, you can also try a mix of milk and a small amount of flour to thicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and chicken preparation remain the same and will taste just as delicious.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe makes a fantastic lunch the next day. You can also mix it with some fresh vegetables for a hearty salad or warm it gently and serve over steamed greens for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe a try; it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate but keeps surprising you with its bold, savory spice and creamy indulgence. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe never disappoints. You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—so go ahead, cook it up and enjoy every delicious moment.
Print
Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta is a flavorful and creamy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with a blend of spices and tossed with pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Spice Mix and Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sliced chicken strips evenly with this spice blend to coat thoroughly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are browned on the outside and cooked through internally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start thickening the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Thicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken strips and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though note that the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
