About Chicken Arrabiata Pasta

You got to taste it to believe it, if you are a fan of strong flavors – then you got to try Chicken Arrabiata Pasta Recipe! Tender chicken with a fiery arrabiata sauce of tomato, garlic and chilli in a pasta dish inspired by classic Italian flavours. It’s an easy dish to prepare, delicious beyond belief and great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

In this post you’ll learn how to prepare chicken arrabiata pasta recipe at home, step-by-step method, ingredients, useful cooking tips and serving suggestions.

Spicy, Savory, Perfect: Why You’ll Love Chicken Arrabiata Pasta

Nourishing and beautiful soup recipe that’s rich, zesty, and full of Italian flavor!

  • Quick recipe, done in less than 40 minutes.
  • Great mix of protein (chicken) and carbs (pasta).
  • Kid-friendly and customizable with extra veggies.

Ingredients All You Need for This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make spicy chicken arrabiata pasta at home:

For the Pasta:

  • 250g penne pasta (or spaghetti/fusilli)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Chicken:
  • 300 g (boneless chicken breast, diced in small pieces)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • For the Arrabiata Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 400g tinned tomatoes (or fresh pureed)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 – 2 red chilies or 1 tsp chili flakes (to taste)
  • 1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • A few fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

For Garnish:

  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Extra chili flakes (optional)

Best Chicken Arrabiata Pasta Recipe | Stepwise Cooking Method

Cook the Pasta

  • Heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a full boil.
  • Stir in pasta and cook to al dente.
  • Drain, toss with some olive oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a pan.
  • Stir in chicken pieces, paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Fry until gold brown and done. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Arrabiata Sauce

  • To the same pan, add olive oil.
  • Fry onions until tender and add garlic and chilies.
  • Whisk in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in puréed tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Simmer 10-12 minutes or until sauce is thicker and ingredients have a chance to blend in flavor.

Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce

  • Return the cooked chicken to the sauce.
  • Add the pasta and stir until well coated.
  • Cook 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve & Enjoy

  • Transfer to serving bowls.
  • Top with parmesan cheese, fresh basil and a little chili flake.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Arrabiata Pasta

  • Serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
  • Accompany it with a tossed green salad for a complete meal.
  • Serve with a glass of red wine for an authentic Italian meal.

Pro Tips for The Perfect Chicken Arrabiata Pasta

  • Go with penne pasta – the hollow centres are ideal for the spicy arrabiata sauce.
  • Toss on some extra veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, for a healthier version.
  • Regulate the spice level by the quantity of chilies or chili flakes.
  • For creaminess, add a little shot of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does it mean in Italian to be “arrabiata”?

Arrabiata is “angry” in Italian, to describe the heat in the sauce.

Q. Can I make chicken arrabiata pasta in advance?

Yes – cook and keep chilled in the fridge for 2 – 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q. What other kinds of pasta can I use?

Yes, you could also use spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni for arrabiata sauce.

Q. Is chicken arrabiata pasta good for you?

Yes, it’s high in protein, it’s low in sugar, and you can make it even healthier by using whole wheat pasta and lean chicken breast.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 410

Protein: 28g

Carbs: 48g

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 5g

Final Thoughts

This chicken arrabiata pasta is the best recipe if you love a spicy and savoury Italian style dinner. And with its lush tomato-tinged sauce, soft chicken and al dente quartet of vegetables, it’s both a simple and a satisfying dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, it’s a pasta that never fails to satisfy.

Give it a try and I can guarantee you will be cooking this frequently!