I’ve always been on the lookout for comfort food that’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to whip up. That’s exactly why I love this spicy chicken spaghetti recipe! The first time I made it, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of garlic, Italian herbs, and just the right amount of spicy kick. Once it hit the plate, I couldn’t help but marvel at how well the creamy, spicy sauce clung to every strand of pasta, perfectly balanced with juicy chicken pieces.
It’s now my go-to recipe when I want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. If you love pasta with a flavorful twist, I promise this recipe won’t disappoint. Get ready to impress your family or friends, or just treat yourself to a bowl of this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is packed with versatility, flavor, and ease—perfect for any day or occasion!
Quick and Easy for Busy Days
Sometimes, you just want dinner on the table fast, and this recipe makes it happen in under 30 minutes! The steps are simple and require no fancy techniques, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable to Your Taste
Whether you like it extra spicy, mild, or packed with veggies, this recipe adapts to your preferences. Swap out seasonings or add your favorite extras to create something uniquely yours. You can even experiment with different pasta shapes for a fun twist.
Balanced and Satisfying
This dish has it all – juicy chicken for protein, creamy sauce for indulgence, and spaghetti for comforting carbs. It’s a complete meal in one plate, leaving everyone feeling full and happy. The blend of flavors ensures every bite is rich, hearty, and delicious.
Suitable for Any Occasion
From a casual family dinner to a more formal gathering, this spicy chicken spaghetti fits right in. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Cooking Time
Here’s how quickly you can prepare and serve this amazing dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Gather these essential ingredients to bring this dish together.
- Spaghetti
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomato passata
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
Variations
Make this recipe your own with these exciting variations and additional tips!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a tropical twist.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
- Cheese Options: Try feta or cheddar in place of Parmesan for a new flavor profile.
Equipment You’ll Need
Get your kitchen essentials ready for a smooth cooking experience.
- Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Pot: To boil the spaghetti.
- Mixing Bowl: For seasoning the chicken.
- Tongs: To toss the spaghetti and sauce together.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti?
This simple and fun process will help you make your very own spicy chicken spaghetti in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti 🍝
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and cook it one minute less than the package directions. Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
Slice the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking. Season with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Pan-Seared the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lay the chicken pieces in, leaving some space between them. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set the chicken aside to rest before slicing it into strips. 🍳
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until it begins to caramelize. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds. Pour in tomato passata and chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream for a smooth and creamy finish.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with your sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Mix in the sliced chicken, then add grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together and serve piping hot! 🌿🧀
Tips for Making the Recipe
Follow these simple tips to elevate your dish and achieve perfect results every time.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the pasta slightly since it will finish cooking in the sauce. This ensures it doesn’t turn mushy. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even texture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Taste the sauce before combining it with the pasta. Add more red pepper flakes if you love heat, or extra cream to mellow it out. A squeeze of lemon can also help balance the flavors.
Rest the Chicken: Always rest the chicken after cooking. This helps retain its juices, making it tender and juicy when sliced. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm without trapping excess moisture.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Spaghetti?
Presentation and sides take this dish to the next level of deliciousness.
This spicy chicken spaghetti looks beautiful and tastes even better when served with thoughtful additions. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal. For a special touch, drizzle some olive oil or add grated lemon zest to brighten its flavors. 🍋✨
Nutritional Information
This dish isn’t just about flavor but also a good balance of nutrition.
- Calories: 362
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 12 g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep or saving leftovers for later!
Make Ahead
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, making the dish even tastier when cooked.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing your meals for the week, this spicy chicken spaghetti recipe checks all the boxes. Savory, creamy, and delightfully spicy, it’s a dish that’s worthy of a place in your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy! 🥂
Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomato passata
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and cook it one minute less than the package directions. Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later.
- Slice the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking. Season with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lay the chicken pieces in, leaving some space between them. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set the chicken aside to rest before slicing it into strips. 🍳
- Using the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until it begins to caramelize. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds. Pour in tomato passata and chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream for a smooth and creamy finish.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with your sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Mix in the sliced chicken, then add grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together and serve piping hot! 🌿🧀
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the pasta slightly since it will finish cooking in the sauce. This ensures it doesn’t turn mushy. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Taste the sauce before combining it with the pasta. Add more red pepper flakes if you love heat, or extra cream to mellow it out. A squeeze of lemon can also help balance the flavors.
- Rest the Chicken: Always rest the chicken after cooking. This helps retain its juices, making it tender and juicy when sliced. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm without trapping excess moisture.
