Save This Cherry Jalapeño Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that always wakes up my dinner table with its playful mix of flavors—think sweet cherries, creamy sauce, bright basil, a gentle chili heat, and juicy pieces of chicken all tangled with pasta. It is an irresistible choice for when you want to surprise everyone with something colorful and delicious that still comes together on a regular weeknight.
I first made this after a trip to the farmer's market with an overflowing bag of cherries and just a single jalapeño. It became an instant favorite with my kids begging for it every summer since.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Quality chicken gives you the main protein boost Look for plump breasts with no white streaks for tenderness
- Fresh sweet cherries: These add pops of sweetness Go for cherries that are firm but yield slightly to the touch
- Jalapeño: Fresh jalapeño lends gentle heat and fragrance Choose one with glossy skin and no soft spots
- Garlic: Provides depth and aromatic punch Pick cloves that are heavy and tight-skinned
- Red onion: A slightly milder onion that mellows in the pan Look for a bright outer skin without blemishes
- Fresh basil: Adds herbal brightness to balance sweet and spicy Use leaves that are vibrant green and unbruised
- Lemon zest: Brings a burst of citrusy contrast Always zest before cutting the lemon
- Penne or fusilli pasta: Tubes or spirals catch the sauce so every bite is flavorful Choose a sturdy variety to stand up to tossing
- Heavy cream: Creates a luxurious sauce Use good-quality cream for the most velvety finish
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and brings the sauce together Grate cheese fresh for best flavor
- Olive oil: The cooking base always choose extra virgin if you can
- Unsalted butter: Helps brown the chicken and enriches the sauce
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning to bring everything together Use fine sea salt for pasta water and seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for extra chili warmth Pick your favorite level of heat
Instructions
- Bring the Water:
- Fill a large pot with water and toss in a few generous pinches of salt Bring it to a boil This flavors your pasta from the inside out
- Cook the Pasta:
- Drop in the penne or fusilli and stir occasionally Cook until just al dente so it holds up in the sauce Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining for later
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil with the butter in a large skillet over medium-high Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper Add them to the hot pan Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through turning for even color It usually takes about five to seven minutes Remove chicken to a plate and set aside
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet pour in the remaining olive oil Add diced red onion and jalapeño Stir and cook for about two or three minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds to bloom its flavor
- Add the Cherries and Lemon Zest:
- Introduce the pitted cherry halves and lemon zest into the skillet Let them sizzle and soften in the heat stir gently for about two minutes You want the cherries juicy but not fully broken down
- Combine Chicken and Make the Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet Lower the heat to medium Pour in the heavy cream stirring to coat everything Let it simmer gently for two or three minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens
- Finish with Pasta and Cheese:
- Add your drained pasta to the skillet Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan Toss everything well If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water until creamy and silky
- Add Freshness and Adjust:
- Remove the skillet from the heat quickly fold in chopped basil and crushed red pepper flakes if you want extra heat Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Serve:
- Dish immediately onto plates Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a bright finish Serve while steaming and creamy
Save There is something magical about using sweet cherries at their seasonal peak I still remember my daughter licking the spoon the first time she tasted the creamy sauce and asking if we could have this for her next birthday dinner
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The sauce may thicken on chilling just reheat gently and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it You can also freeze portions but the sauce will be slightly less creamy upon defrosting It still tastes absolutely wonderful
Ingredient Substitutions
No cherries Sweet plums or even grapes work as a swap Adjust their sweetness to your liking For the chicken you can use turkey breast or even rotisserie chicken for convenience If you want a no-dairy dish use a plain oat or soy cream and skip the cheese The flavor will be lighter but still delicious
Serving Suggestions
This dish stands alone but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dotted with nuts or fresh fruit For summer parties serve it with grilled corn or a platter of marinated vegetables A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements all the flavors
Cultural and Historical Context
Pasta is a universal crowd-pleaser and here it gets a fusion spin with the classic sweet heat combo popular in Southern American cooking Cherries highlight the best of summer produce while jalapeño lends a Tex-Mex personality This is the sort of meal that carries a bit of family adventure with every bite
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in whatever sweet summer fruit you find at the market Try blackberries or apricots for a twist Add a handful of arugula or tender spinach at the very end so it wilts gently Toss in fresh cherry tomatoes with the cherries for more juiciness
Success Stories
I have brought this pasta to summer potlucks and have been asked for the recipe every single time My picky cousin likes it at room temperature for lunch and I love having something different to rotate into the weekday meal plan The bold colors always impress
Freezer Meal Conversion
To make ahead cool the cooked pasta and sauce completely Pack portions into freezer-safe containers Label and freeze for up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight and heat through slowly on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce
Save This recipe lets you bring a playful twist to pasta night with vibrant colors and sweet-spicy flavor. Enjoy every creamy forkful while it's fresh and steaming.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I adjust the spiciness?
Leave some jalapeño seeds in or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Omit for a milder flavor.
- → Can I use a different fruit?
Cheries can be swapped with chopped plums or sweet grapes for a unique twist—just choose ripe, juicy fruit.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk can work, but the sauce may be less creamy. Adjust for desired texture and richness.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Pinot Noir complement the sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors beautifully.
- → Can chicken be replaced with another protein?
Turkey or tofu can be used for variation. Adjust cooking time and seasoning to suit your chosen protein.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta and check cheese labels to ensure no added wheat or gluten ingredients are present.