How can I make this dish less spicy if I have a low heat tolerance?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of chili flakes and cayenne pepper, or even skip them if you’re especially sensitive. You can always start with a little, then stir in more at the end after taste-testing.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes! Shrimp, salmon, cooked sausage, or even tofu all work wonderfully as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times so your chosen protein is cooked through but still tender.

What kind of white wine is best in this recipe?

Always opt for a dry white wine. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Chardonnay work great. Avoid sweet varieties, as you want the brightness without extra sugar.

Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes add intense flavor, you can swap in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a fresher note, or simply omit them for a smoother sauce. The recipe is flexible—don't be afraid to experiment with what you have.

Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tsp Olive Oil; 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 1 x 9oz/250g Chicken Breast, brought close to room temp; 1 tbsp Butter; 1 small Onion, finely diced; 1 tsp finely diced Garlic (approx 1 large clove); 1/2 tsp Chilli Flakes; 6 Sun Dried Tomatoes, finely diced (~2oz/60g); 1/4 cup / 60ml Dry White Wine (or substitute with chicken stock); 7oz / 200g Linguine (or other long cut pasta); 2 tbsp Tomato Puree (tomato paste in US); 1/3 cup / 80ml Chicken Stock; 2/3 cup / 160ml Heavy/Double Cream; 1 oz / 30g Parmesan, finely grated; 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley; Salt & Pepper, to taste

Get ready to add a fiery twist to your weeknight dinner routine with this spicy chicken pasta recipe! Imagine perfectly tender strips of chicken, boldly spiced and seared to golden perfection, nestled in a creamy, robust sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes and a kick of heat. All mingled with silky pasta and finished off with a shower of parmesan and fresh herbs. The best part? It comes together in around 40 minutes, making it a lifesaver for those busy nights when you want something utterly satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. If you love pastas that are just as exciting as they are comforting, you’re going to adore this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Satisfyingly Spicy, Perfectly Creamy: The balanced heat from smoked paprika, cayenne, and chili flakes delivers a tingle without overpowering the dish, while the cream and parmesan turn everything deliciously rich and velvety.
One Pan, Maximum Flavor: All the flavor builds right in the same skillet, making the whole process quick and nearly effortless.
Quick and Fuss-Free: In under an hour, you’ll have an impressive, restaurant-quality meal on your table.
Incredibly Versatile: Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions or add-ins—this pasta is a perfect foundation for culinary creativity.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s date night, a family dinner, or meal prep for the week, this pasta ticks every box for both flavor and ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make this spicy chicken pasta, plus tips on how each ingredient shines:

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless is best; bringing to room temperature ensures even cooking and juiciness.
Olive Oil: For marinating and searing the chicken, infusing subtle flavor.
Smoked Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: The dynamic duo that creates the signature smoky heat. Adjust the cayenne to your preferred spice level.
Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning both the chicken and the sauce, highlighting all the flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and a buttery base for the sauce.
Onion (finely diced): Lends sweetness and depth.
Garlic (finely minced): Crucial for that savory, aromatic backbone.
Chili Flakes: For another layer of heat and a touch of color.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavorful, they add tangy-sweetness and chewiness. Oil-packed are ideal; just drain and finely dice.
Dry White Wine: Brings a bright, slightly acidic note and deglazes the pan. If you prefer, substitute with extra chicken stock.
Linguine (or other long pasta): Holds onto the sauce beautifully. Don’t overcook—al dente is perfection!
Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste): Deepens the umami and thickens the sauce.
Chicken Stock: Delivers moisture and savory flavor.
Heavy/Double Cream: The key to that luscious, silky sauce.
Parmesan (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty richness.
Fresh Parsley: For color and a whisper of freshness at the end.
Starchy Pasta Water: Helps marry the sauce and pasta, and adjust the consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Taste as you go—your preferences matter!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Craving a different take? Here are a few fun ways to make this spicy chicken pasta uniquely yours:

Switch Up the Protein: Try shrimp or sliced cooked sausage instead of chicken. Even strips of sautéed bell pepper or zucchini work for a veg-forward version.
Tame the Heat: For a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes and cayenne—add more at the end if needed.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Stir in extra parmesan or toss in chunks of mozzarella for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Add More Veggies: Spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers blend beautifully into the sauce.
Pasta Swap: Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Herb Boost: Mix in fresh basil or chives in place of parsley for a new layer of aroma.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Begin by mixing olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a punchy marinade. Butterfly your chicken breast, so you have two thin, even cutlets—this ensures speedy, even cooking. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high, then sear the chicken on both sides until deeply golden with charred edges and cooked through. The aroma alone will have you salivating. Set aside to rest, then slice into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

With your pan still brimming with flavor, lower the heat and melt a pat of butter. Sauté the onion until soft and just catching a bit of color. Add in garlic, chili flakes, and your diced sun-dried tomatoes. Fry briefly until everything is glossy and aromatic.

Deglaze the skillet with dry white wine, scraping up every delicious brown bit left from the chicken. Let the wine reduce completely, concentrating the flavors and burning off any alcohol.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil your pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Reserve some cooking water before draining—trust me, this step takes your sauce from good to restaurant-worthy.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

To your skillet, add tomato puree and let it fry for a couple of minutes. This deepens its sweetness and intensifies flavor. Pour in chicken stock, then swirl in the heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine Everything

With tongs, transfer your just-cooked pasta directly into the skillet—don’t worry about a little water clinging to the noodles; it helps emulsify the sauce. Toss with parmesan and fresh parsley, then nestle the chicken strips (and any delicious juices they’ve released) into the pan. Toss until the sauce hugs every strand. If you need to loosen it, just splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Chicken Against the Grain: This keeps each piece tender and avoids that dreaded chewiness.
Don’t Rush the Wine Reduction: Allow the alcohol to fully cook off for a sauce that’s robust but not sharp.
Use Starchy Pasta Water: This is your sauce’s secret best friend; it brings everything together for a creamy, clingy finish.
Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is deeply personal—taste as you go, especially with spice and salt.

How to Serve

Serve the spicy chicken pasta straight from the pan for that irresistibly cozy, family-style feel. Pair with a crisp, green salad or a platter of roasted garlic bread (trust me, the bread is perfect for swiping up every drop of sauce). Add a refreshing glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for contrast. For an over-the-top finish, sprinkle with extra parmesan and a last scatter of fresh herbs just before diving in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers almost better!

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze this pasta in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight, then reheat slowly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s velvety texture. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish less spicy if I have a low heat tolerance?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of chili flakes and cayenne pepper, or even skip them if you’re especially sensitive. You can always start with a little, then stir in more at the end after taste-testing.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes! Shrimp, salmon, cooked sausage, or even tofu all work wonderfully as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times so your chosen protein is cooked through but still tender.
What kind of white wine is best in this recipe?

Always opt for a dry white wine. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Chardonnay work great. Avoid sweet varieties, as you want the brightness without extra sugar.
Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes add intense flavor, you can swap in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a fresher note, or simply omit them for a smoother sauce. The recipe is flexible—don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers bold flavor, creamy comfort, and just enough kick to keep every bite interesting, spicy chicken pasta is exactly what you need. It’s fast, surprisingly simple, and infinitely adaptable—perfect for anyone craving a homemade meal with a hint of excitement. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!