This Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect balance of rich tomato flavor, tender chicken, and a gentle chili kick. It’s a comforting, restaurant-style pasta you can easily make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is packed with bold flavor from garlic, chili flakes, and slow-simmered tomatoes. The juicy chicken makes it hearty, while the pasta soaks up every bit of the spicy sauce. It’s simple enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh)
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the sauce:
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 × 400g canned tomatoes
- 3 basil sprigs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Parmesan cheese (to serve)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken, cook until lightly golden (about 3 minutes), then set aside.
- Lower heat and add olive oil and anchovies, stirring until dissolved.
- Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant.
- Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add sugar, salt, and basil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chicken back in for the final 8 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook pasta until slightly under al dente.
- Add pasta to sauce with a splash of pasta water and cook together for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish with basil and Parmesan.
This Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together beautifully with minimal effort.
Tips & Tricks
- Blend canned tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust chili flakes based on spice preference.
- Don’t overcook chicken—add it later for juiciness.
- Save pasta water to enhance sauce texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Skip anchovies for a simpler flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Use beef sausage slices instead of chicken if desired.
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce or skip chili flakes.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, the sauce stores well and reheats easily.
Is anchovy necessary?
No, but it adds deep umami flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze sauce up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm gently with a splash of water
Similar Recipes
Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the sauce:
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 anchovy fillets optional
- 3 garlic cloves finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 × 400g canned tomatoes
- 3 basil sprigs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Parmesan cheese to serve
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken, cook until lightly golden (about 3 minutes), then set aside.
- Lower heat and add olive oil and anchovies, stirring until dissolved.
- Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant.
- Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add sugar, salt, and basil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chicken back in for the final 8 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook pasta until slightly under al dente.
- Add pasta to sauce with a splash of pasta water and cook together for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish with basil and Parmesan.
- This Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together beautifully with minimal effort.
Notes
- Skip anchovies for a simpler flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Use beef sausage slices instead of chicken if desired.
Conclusion
This Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that delivers bold taste with simple ingredients. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite.