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 enjoyed 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: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or substitute with bell peppers or sweet paprika for flavour without the heat.

• Medium: Stick to recipe, chilli flakes or add sautéed jalapenos for a fresh, fruity kick.

• Hot: For bold spiciness, use 2 teaspoons of chili flakes or serrano peppers, and include seeds for extra heat.

• Extra Hot: Increase chilli flakes to 3 teaspoons, add cayenne pepper, and finely chop habaneros for intense heat.

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 spicy pasta can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for 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.