Name: Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Pan‑Seared Chicken in a Bold Tomato‑Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or spaghetti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This bold pasta dish delivers an irresistible kick of heat and rich garlic flavor. Juicy chicken bites are pan-seared and simmered in a savory tomato sauce, making it a great option for spice lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti or linguine
Chicken breast, diced
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Crushed red pepper flakes
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Onion
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley

Directions

Cook pasta until al dente; reserve some pasta water.
In a skillet, sauté chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, cook onion and garlic until soft.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, seasoning, and chili flakes. Simmer.
Return chicken to the pan and cook until sauce thickens.
Toss in cooked pasta and mix with reserved water if needed.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Substitute shrimp for chicken.
Use penne instead of spaghetti.

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I reduce the spice level?

Yes, omit or reduce the chili flakes.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely, just add it toward the end to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best pasta for this?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze without the pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use tofu or just go with the sauce and pasta.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes, for a creamy, spicy tomato sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but they will need to cook longer to reduce.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a few days.

How spicy is it?

Moderately spicy – easy to adjust to your taste.

What sides go well with this?

Garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect fusion of comfort and spice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under 40 minutes — a satisfying dish for any pasta night.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Pan‑Seared Chicken in a Bold Tomato‑Garlic Sauce

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A bold and flavorful pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken tossed in a spicy tomato-garlic sauce, perfect for lovers of heat and hearty Italian-inspired meals.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat well.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.