Name: Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Flavor-Packed Pasta with Tender Chicken and Herbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or spaghetti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

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This Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a bold, satisfying dish featuring juicy pan-seared chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of heat—all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s the kind of hearty comfort food that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients

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

Chicken breasts, cubed
Spaghetti or linguine
Olive oil
Fresh garlic, minced
Red chili flakes
Onion, thinly sliced
Fresh parsley
Diced tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

Directions

Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chicken cubes with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then sauté onions and garlic.
Stir in diced tomatoes, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
Return chicken to the pan and mix well.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu.
Use penne or rotini instead of spaghetti.

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, add it at the end to heat through without overcooking.

How spicy is it?

Moderately spicy, but you can adjust the chili flakes to your preference.

Can I make this dish creamy?

Yes, stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese toward the end.

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes, reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder version.

What pasta type works best?

Spaghetti is ideal, but any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, though fresh pasta has better texture. Freeze for up to 1 month.

What herbs pair best with this?

Fresh parsley or basil enhances the flavor beautifully.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes or even crushed tomatoes will work.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I meal prep this in advance?

Yes, cook everything and store in separate containers for easy reheating.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a bold and satisfying one-pan meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. It’s spicy, savory, and loaded with flavor in every bite.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Flavor-Packed Pasta with Tender Chicken and Herbs

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A flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bold garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice. This satisfying meal is perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in Italian seasoning and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.