Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a comforting dish that perfectly balances bold, fiery spices with a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. Featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious sauce with a spicy kick mellowed by cream, this recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It delivers layers of flavor, satisfying warmth, and a silky texture that clings to every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
Pasta
- 300g penne or fusilli pasta
Sauce Base
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Build the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent to create the aromatic foundation.
- Add Tomatoes and Spice: Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add red chili flakes or fresh chili to adjust the heat level. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in Cream: Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring constantly. This creates a silky, rich sauce that balances the tomato acidity and spices.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked pasta and the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Warm through briefly to marry the flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish to add a vibrant, fresh note.
Notes
- Cook pasta until just al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust chili flakes gradually to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for an elevated, vibrant flavor.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to deepen the overall taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken pasta, creamy tomato sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, spicy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, healthy pasta recipe