Quick and Healthy Spicy Pasta Recipe: A Tasty Meal for Busy Days

Looking for a spicy pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavour? I first tried this spicy chicken pasta at a one-pot dish party, where everyone with its fiery kick from extra chillies and chilli flakes. The combination of garlic, chilli flakes, and spicy pasta left every bite delicious and full of heat—it quickly became a favourite spicy recipe.

Inspired by Penne all’Arrabbiata, this great spicy pasta base can easily adjust to your desired spice level. Whether you like it mild or bold, this dish offers the perfect balance of spice and flavour with a simple yet stunning twist of fresh coriander. It’s an excellent choice for any dinner or party.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Pasta Recipe

This spicy chicken pasta has quickly become one of my favourite quick spicy pasta recipes. It’s easy to make with just a little effort, and the tangy tomato sauce perfectly complements the chicken and spicy pasta, making them a dream team for a flavorful meal.

Not only is it healthy and hassle-free, but it’s also elegant enough for a special occasion or company. You can customize the spice level to your taste and top it with plenty of freshly grated parmesan for that extra delicious touch.

What You’ll Need for Spicy Pasta

• Pasta (preferably penne) – an excellent variety for saucy sauces
• Chicken breasts – pan-fried until golden
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper – to make a homemade spice rub
• Olive oil – for pan frying
• Garlic – use two cloves for a heart of flavour.
• Crushed tomatoes – for a great texture in the sauce
• Crushed red pepper flakes – to add heat and spice
• Sugar – optional, but helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes
• Fresh spinach and fresh basil – this duo brings a pop of freshness that perfectly complements the tomatoes

How to Make Spicy Pasta

Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to make your spice rub. Rub it evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it gets a beautiful sear on both sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to rest.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and let it bubble for a minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Slice the Chicken and Add Herbs

While the sauce is simmering, slice the chicken into tender strips. Add spinach and basil to the sauce for a vibrant herb infusion and extra freshness.

Combine the Pasta and Serve

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spicy pasta and toss it all together, letting it soak up the rich tomato and spice flavours. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to adjust the texture. Top with freshly grated parmesan for a creamy, cheesy finish and serve immediately.

Spice Control Tips for the Perfect Pasta Dish

Mild

Start with a pinch of chilli flakes for mild pasta, or substitute them with bell peppers for a flavorful dish without the heat. If you want a smoky flavour, use sweet paprika instead. This will give your pasta a delicious kick without overwhelming your taste buds.

Medium

For a medium level of spiciness, stick to the recipe’s chilli flakes measurements, adding a spicy kick without going overboard. For a twist, consider adding finely chopped and sautéed jalapenos with the onions to bring a fresh, fruity flavour to the dish.

Hot

If you crave a hot dish, chilli flakes are your friend. Use up to 2 teaspoons for a bold heat, or add serrano peppers for a burst of spiciness. You can also experiment with the seeds for extra heat and flavour, giving your pasta a real punch.

Extra Hot

This level is for true spice lovers! Increase the chilli flakes to 3 teaspoons and add cayenne pepper for an intense spicy experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, finely chop habanero peppers with seeds and carefully add them for a fiery heat that will make you breathe fire.

Substitutions and Variations

The BEST Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe!

For the BEST spicy chicken pasta, adjust the sauce to match your desired spice level. If you’re after a spicy kick, try cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to elevate the flavour. For a thicker sauce, use crushed tomatoes and cook them down longer to intensify the texture. You can also add a splash of hot pasta water to adjust the consistency if the sauce is too thick.

Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving a creamy version, adding heavy cream will turn it into a delicious that’s my tomato sauce. For a richer texture and a more indulgent flavour, opt for full-fat cream to prevent it from curdling. This combo of spice and richness creates a balance of flavours that adds depth and makes this pasta dish an ultimate comfort meal.

How to Make Arrabbiata Sauce

Start by sautéing garlic in oil over medium heat. Then, add cayenne pepper and chilli flakes until the garlic turns golden. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes to melt the flavours.

Cook pasta in salted water and reserve a cup of the starchy water. Toss the pasta in the sauce with the reserved water to coat it. Serve with parmesan and parsley for a flavorful meal.

Leftovers and Storage

Leftover pasta can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so over low heat in a saucepan or the microwave in short increments until warm.

Avoid freezing, as it can make the texture too soft when reheated.

FAQs

• How can I spice up pasta?
  Add chilli flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh peppers like jalapenos or serranos. You can also use spicy pasta sauces like arrabbiata or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Which spice is best for pasta?
  It depends on the flavour profile! For spicy pasta, chilli, red pepper, or cayenne are great. For savoury, garlic powder, oregano, and basil work well.
• Should pasta be spicy?
  It’s a personal preference! Spicy pasta adds an exciting kick, but you can constantly adjust the spice level or skip the heat altogether if you prefer milder flavours.
• What makes pasta more creamy?
  Adding cream, cheese (like parmesan or mascarpone), or butter makes pasta creamy. You can also use cream-based sauces like Alfredo or add ricotta for a lighter creamy texture.

Spicy Chicken Pasta

This spicy chicken pasta recipe combines bold chili flakes, garlic, and tomatoes for a rich, flavorful dish. Customize the spice level to your taste—mild to extra hot. Add cream for a creamy twist. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, this pasta is a must-try for spice lovers!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 2931 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet or Frying Pan – For searing the chicken and cooking the sauce.
• Pot – To cook the pasta.
• Knife & Cutting Board – To slice the chicken and herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs – For stirring and flipping the chicken.
• Colander – To drain the cooked pasta.
• Measuring Spoons – To measure spices and ingredients.

Ingredients

  

For Pasta

• 1 tbsp Salt.
• 2 cups Penne Pasta

For Sauce

• 4 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic  (Minced)
• 1 tsp Chili Flakes
• 1 small-size Onion 1 small-size Onion
• ½ cup Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Mixed Herb
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese

For Garnishing

• Chili Flakes
• Chopped Coriander

Instructions

 

Boil the Pasta

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Add 1 tbsp of salt to the water.
• Add 2 cups of pasta and cook according to the package instructions (approximately 8-10 minutes).
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
• Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

• Heat 4 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add 2 tbsp of butter and allow it to melt.
• Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tsp of chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute while stirring frequently.
• Add 1 finely chopped small onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in ½ cup of tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend with the onions.
• Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until well combined with the tomato paste.
• Season with ¼ tsp of salt, 1 tsp of mixed herbs, and ½ tsp of black pepper. Stir to prevent burning.
• Add a small amount of reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency. Let it simmer.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Sprinkle ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until fully melted.
• If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water as needed.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.

Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with extra chili flakes and chopped coriander for added flavor.
• Serve the pasta on a plate and top with additional grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Quick Tip: For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream or replacing butter and olive oil with a lighter alternative. You can also adjust the pasta portion size to reduce calories per serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish, and feel free to customize the spice level to your liking!