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I love how simple yet flavorful the ingredients for Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata Pasta are. Each one plays a key role in creating that delicious taste. Here’s what you need: - 300g penne pasta - 250g chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Each ingredient brings its own charm. The penne pasta acts as the base, holding the sauce well. The chicken breast adds protein and makes the dish hearty. Olive oil gives a rich flavor, while garlic and chili flakes add that spicy kick. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a robust sauce, and a touch of sugar balances the acidity. Fresh basil offers a bright touch at the end, and Parmesan adds a creamy finish. When I cook this meal, I love the vibrant colors and fresh smells that fill my kitchen. It’s a great way to impress friends and family with a dish that’s easy to make yet feels special. Enjoy gathering these ingredients, as they are the first step towards a wonderful dinner! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it boils, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it until al dente, which is usually about 8-10 minutes. This means it should still have a little bite. After cooking, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. Next, grab 250g of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you want to check. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. Now, it’s time for the sauce. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells good. Be careful not to burn it, as that can ruin the flavor. Next, add a 400g can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. After the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Now, add the drained pasta. Toss everything well to combine. If the sauce looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve a creamy consistency. You want the pasta to be well-coated with the sauce. To serve, plate the pasta for each person. Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a tasty, cheesy touch to the dish. Enjoy your spicy chicken arrabbiata pasta! To get the best sauce, start by adjusting the spice levels. If you want more heat, add more red chili flakes. For less heat, use less. Taste the sauce as you go; this way, you can find the perfect balance for your palate. Balancing flavors is key, too. Adding a teaspoon of sugar helps cut the acidity from the tomatoes. This makes the sauce taste richer and smoother. Always taste before serving; you can add more sugar or salt if needed. For juicy chicken breast, cut it into smaller pieces. This helps it cook evenly and stay moist. Season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden brown color. If you want an alternative to chicken, shrimp or mushrooms work great. Just adjust the cooking time. Shrimp cooks fast, while mushrooms need a little extra time to brown. To prevent overcooked pasta, follow the package instructions carefully. Cook it until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This gives your dish the right texture. To tell when the pasta is done, taste it. It should be cooked but still have a slight bite. Once done, drain it but save some pasta water. This water can help thicken the sauce later. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or add them gradually to taste. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to the dish, so opt for fresh over dried when possible. Perfect Pasta Cooking: For the best texture, always cook pasta al dente and reserve some pasta water for the sauce. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a spicy cheese for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or prawns. They cook quickly and add a nice flavor. Just sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. For a vegetarian option, use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Cook them until tender for a delicious twist. Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of cream. This will make the sauce creamy and smooth. You can also spice it up by using different peppers. Try jalapeños or habaneros for extra heat. Adjust the heat level to your taste. Pair your pasta with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. For a more filling option, serve with garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. If you enjoy wine, try a glass of Chianti. Its fruity notes pair well with the spicy sauce. To keep your Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly. This helps keep moisture in and air out. You can store the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, I recommend reheating on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help bring back moisture. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to trap steam. This helps keep the dish nice and moist. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then cool them down. Store them in air-tight containers in the fridge. The pasta and sauce can stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. If you don't have penne, use any short pasta. Rigatoni or fusilli work well too. You can also try spaghetti or fettuccine for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of red chili flakes. You can also add more crushed tomatoes or a bit of cream. Mixing in some sugar can help balance the flavors. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for extra cooling. Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then pack it in freezer-safe bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight, then heat on the stove or in the microwave. Pair this pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. If you want something warm, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of red wine also complements the dish nicely. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, steps for cooking, and storage tips. There are options for different proteins and sauce modifications. Adjust heat levels and find sides that fit your taste. With these tips, you can create a tasty dish that suits your style. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others!

Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata Pasta

A flavorful pasta dish with spicy chicken and a rich tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 250 g chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired sauce consistency is achieved (it should be slightly creamy and well-coated).
  • Plate the pasta, topping with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the red chili flakes to your spice preference.
Keyword arrabbiata, chicken, pasta, spicy