Spicy Chicken Pasta is hands down one of the boldest, creamiest, and most crave-worthy dinners you'll ever make. Juicy chunks of chicken seared to perfection, tossed in a fiery and silky sauce, cling to perfectly cooked pasta for an irresistible bite every time. It's the very best comfort food with a supercharged kick!

This recipe is a must-try for anyone needing a fast, flavor-loaded meal. Everything cooks up in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving something with a little heat and a lot of heart. It's always met with empty plates and big smiles around my table.

Inspired by my love for spicy Italian dishes with a creamy twist, this pasta is endlessly customizable and guaranteed to become your new go-to dinner. Whether you're feeding hungry teens, hosting a casual dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this Spicy Chicken Pasta delivers every time!

A bowl of Spicy Chicken Pasta topped with fresh parsley and chili flakes

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights
Packed with bold, spicy, and creamy flavors that everyone will crave
Easily customizable for spice level and extra veggies
Satisfying, hearty, and comforting-every bite is pure delight

Key Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the protein hero of this dish, lending juicy tenderness and soaking up all those fiery flavors. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. If you prefer, chicken thighs also work beautifully and give a richer taste. For a lighter meal, try turkey breast or even sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian spin.

Penne Pasta

Penne's tubular shape is pasta perfection-it holds onto every bit of the creamy, spicy sauce. Feel free to use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. For a gluten-free option, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

Red Pepper Flakes

These little flakes pack a punch and add the signature heat that makes this dish unforgettable. Adjust the amount to your spice preference; start with less if you're spice-sensitive and add more to turn up the fire. Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper are fun alternatives for a twist in flavor.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and helps balance the spices with a rich, velvety finish. If you want to lighten things up, half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy. For dairy-free, try coconut cream, but expect subtle coconut undertones.

Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic infuses the whole sauce with incredible depth and aroma. Use more or less depending on your preference, and always crush or finely mince for maximum flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh!

Instructions for Spicy Chicken Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 10-11 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Create the Creamy Spicy Sauce

Add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes to reduce some liquid. Turn heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, then mix in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly-stir often to prevent sticking.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed for silkiness. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice to your liking. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley or basil, and another pinch of chili flakes if you're feeling brave!

Recipe Variations

Switch Up Your Protein

Not a fan of chicken breast or want a richer flavor? Substitute with juicy chicken thighs, sliced Italian sausage, or even cooked shrimp for a totally different (but still spicy!) twist. Just adjust cook times as needed for your protein choice.

Go Vegetarian

Leave out the chicken entirely and load up on colorful vegetables-think zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach-to make this dish a satisfying vegetarian meal. Chickpeas are also a great protein boost here.

Make It Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream or your favorite plant-based alternative, and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Add Extra Veggies

Want to up your veggie intake? Toss in baby spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition, color, and texture.

Lower the Heat

If you're cooking for spice-sensitive eaters, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether. You'll still have a delicious creamy pasta with just a hint of warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Spicy Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Warm, crusty garlic bread makes a perfect side for soaking up the creamy sauce. To finish, sprinkle each serving with fresh herbs and an extra dusting of Parmesan for restaurant-quality flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer pasta to a skillet with a splash of cream or milk and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring until hot and creamy again. While this pasta is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently as above, adding extra liquid as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Chicken Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Spicy Chicken Pasta less spicy?

A: Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to control the heat level without sacrificing flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle works. Even spaghetti or linguine are delicious if that's what you have on hand!

Q: How can I add more veggies to this dish?

A: Sauté chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach along with the peppers and onions for extra color, nutrients, and texture.

Ready for a pasta night that's bursting with creamy, spicy, and downright addictive flavor? This Spicy Chicken Pasta is a surefire hit for any table. Give it a try and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to share how you made it your own!