The magic of pasta! There’s something deeply satisfying about twirling those perfectly cooked strands around your fork and taking that first delicious bite. But hold on to your taste buds, because today, I’m taking you on a fiery journey with my spicy chicken pasta. Picture tender chicken, al dente fusilli, and a tomato-based sauce that’s packing some serious heat. It’s a culinary adventure worth every mouthful!

This spicy chicken pasta recipe combines two of the nation’s favourite ingredients and is the perfect chicken recipe for your midweek family meals. You can’t go wrong with this spicy pasta recipe. This pasta recipe with chicken is made with boneless chicken pieces, vegetables and a homemade pasta sauce. A vegetable pasta that will be loved by everyone, children and adults alike. Nothing beats a quick and easy chicken pasta recipe for a delicious evening meal!

The perfect fusilli pasta with tomato sauce recipe for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. A simple past recipe with a spiced tomato sauce, chicken, bell peppers and sweetcorn. Not only is this a healthy pasta with chicken recipe, but everyone is sure to love it.

This is the best pasta recipe and the perfect dinner meal that everyone at the table is guaranteed to love. This luxurious meal can be prepared on those busy weeknights and is a classic meal that everyone adores.

Want chicken for dinner? Then this spiced chicken pasta recipe is the perfect recipe. Fusilli pasta lathered in a tomato sauce with succulent and juicy chicken pieces loaded with bell peppers and sweetcorn. A real hearty and homey dish that is guaranteed to fill up the family. The ultimate weekday family dinner.

Ingredients and Why They Matter

Let’s take a closer look at the ensemble cast of ingredients in our spicy chicken pasta. Each one plays a vital role in creating the symphony of flavours that will dance on your taste buds.

The very foundation of this dish. Fusilli, with its spiral shape, isn’t just eye-catching; it’s functional too. Those corkscrew twists serve as sauce reservoirs, ensuring every bite gets coated in the rich, spicy goodness.

Plus, they have a delightful texture that’s just perfect for catching and holding onto that sauce. If you’re a fan of other pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti, feel free to swap them in. Remember, pasta is all about personal preference.

The chicken mixture is where the magic happens. We start with tender chunks of chicken – the protein powerhouse that anchors our dish. Sautéed onions form the aromatic base, while garlic and ginger add depth and a hint of warmth. The canned tomatoes bring that essential tanginess, contributing to the sauce’s lusciousness.

But it’s the spices that truly set this dish on fire. Garam masala infuses it with a symphony of Indian flavours, while black pepper adds a gentle kick. And then, there are the chilli flakes, the daredevils of the spice world, bringing the heat that gives this dish its name. Don’t forget those green chillies, they’re the secret weapon. To balance out the spice, we introduce sweetcorn, a touch of natural sweetness to soothe the fiery storm.

Homemade vs. Store-bought Sauce

Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into the heart of this saucy matter – homemade versus store-bought sauce. As someone who enjoys the alchemy of cooking, I have a soft spot for crafting sauces from scratch. It’s like composing a symphony of flavours, where each ingredient plays a vital role. But I’m well aware that not every culinary journey allows for this time-consuming delight. So, let’s explore the pros and cons of both approaches.

Homemade Sauce: There’s an undeniable charm to creating your sauce from scratch. You start with those humble canned tomatoes, their vibrant red hue hiding the potential for culinary magic. As they simmer and mingle with fragrant spices, the kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma that announces the impending deliciousness.

One of the most significant advantages of homemade sauce is complete control. You can adjust the levels of spice, sweetness, and acidity to suit your taste buds precisely. Love a bit more garlic? Go ahead, add a clove or two extra. Want to intensify the heat? A pinch more chilli flakes will do the trick. It’s a canvas where you’re the artist, and the sauce is your masterpiece.

But, it’s essential to note that crafting your sauce takes time and patience. Those tomatoes need to break down, and the flavours need time to meld. This isn’t a quick-fix option, but the payoff is a sauce that’s uniquely yours, with a depth of flavour that’s hard to beat.

Store-bought Sauce: Now, let’s talk about the convenience of store-bought sauce. It’s the kitchen superhero on those busy days when you crave a spicy chicken pasta fix but don’t have hours to spare. A good-quality tomato sauce can be a time-saving lifesaver.

The key to choosing the right store-bought sauce is reading labels. Look for one that aligns with your flavour profile. If you’re in the mood for spice, pick a sauce labelled ‘spicy’ or ‘arrabbiata.’ Want something milder? Opt for ‘classic’ or ‘marinara.’ The beauty here is the simplicity; you open the jar, pour, and you’re halfway to pasta perfection.

However, store-bought sauces, while convenient, might lack the customizability of homemade. You’re working with someone else’s flavour vision, and adjustments can be limited. If you’re a fan of garlic, you can’t simply toss in extra cloves – it’s a take-it-or-leave-it situation.

In the end, the choice between homemade and store-bought sauce comes down to your schedule, your culinary aspirations, and your taste buds. Both options have their merits, and I’ve had memorable spicy chicken pasta dishes with both. So, go with what suits the moment, and remember, there are no wrong choices in the world of pasta.

Types of Pasta Shapes

• Fusilli: Ah, fusilli, my personal favorite! These corkscrew-shaped pasta spirals are not just fun to look at; they’re like little sauce magnets. The nooks and crannies of fusilli eagerly embrace the spicy tomato sauce, ensuring that every mouthful bursts with flavour. Their playful shape also adds a delightful texture to the dish, making each bite an adventure.
• Penne: If you’re in the mood for a classic, penne is the way to go. These short, cylindrical tubes have slanted edges that create a smooth yet sturdy texture. Penne’s structural integrity makes it an excellent choice for dishes with chunky sauces, like our spicy chicken pasta. The sauce clings to the pasta’s ridges, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavours in every forkful.
• Spaghetti: While fusilli and penne add texture, spaghetti brings elegance to the table. Those long, slender strands are like the red carpet of the pasta world. When paired with the fiery chicken mixture, each strand of spaghetti becomes a canvas for the rich sauce. It’s a choice that allows you to savor the sauce’s nuances and the tender chicken in a different way.
• Farfalle: Known as bow-tie or butterfly pasta, farfalle adds a touch of whimsy to your spicy chicken pasta. The flat, rectangular shape with pinched centers is not just visually appealing; it cradles the sauce gracefully. Farfalle is perfect when you want a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
• Rotini: If you’re seeking a pasta shape that’s both playful and practical, rotini should be on your radar. These spirals are shorter than fusilli and have a tighter twist. Like a spring, they hold onto the sauce brilliantly, creating a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Rotini adds a delightful chewiness to your spicy chicken pasta.
• Rigatoni: If you’re craving a substantial bite, rigatoni is your ally. These large, ridged tubes are like flavour tunnels, capturing every ounce of the sauce. The hollow center of rigatoni ensures that each bite is a burst of spicy goodness. It’s a choice for those who appreciate pasta with a hearty presence.

Serving Suggestions for a Healthy Dinner

Now that we’ve conjured up this spicy chicken pasta masterpiece, let’s talk about how to complete the meal in a way that’s not just delicious but also balanced and nutritious. Here’s how to create a perfectly harmonious dinner:

A Lively Green Salad: To start, consider preparing a vibrant green salad as a side dish. Think fresh, crisp lettuce leaves, baby spinach, and peppery arugula. Add in some cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch, and don’t forget the burst of sweetness from halved cherry tomatoes.

It’s not just about the flavors; this salad brings a visual pop to your plate, contrasting beautifully with the deep red of the pasta sauce. For an extra layer of taste and texture, toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds. Drizzle with a zesty vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a touch of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This salad will provide a cool and refreshing balance to the fiery pasta.

Creamy Ricotta or Tangy Goat Cheese: For those who enjoy a touch of indulgence, consider serving a small bowl of creamy ricotta or tangy goat cheese on the side. These dairy delights add a luxurious creaminess to every forkful of spicy chicken pasta. A dollop of ricotta or a crumble of goat cheese can temper the heat and provide a cool, rich contrast that elevates the overall dining experience. It’s all about that creamy, slightly tangy sensation mingling with the bold flavors of the pasta sauce.

Warm, Crusty Garlic Bread: Now, let’s talk about the essential companion – warm, crusty garlic bread. Few things in life beat the aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s infused with the fragrant allure of garlic. A slice (or two!) of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.

For an extra layer of flavour, consider brushing the bread with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before toasting it in the oven. The result? A delightful, golden-brown crust with a soft, garlicky center that’s practically irresistible.

A Splash of Colourful Veggies: To complete the picture of a healthy dinner, add a medley of colourful steamed or roasted vegetables to your plate. Consider broccoli florets, tender-crisp asparagus spears, or buttery roasted carrots. These veggies not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to the visual appeal of your meal. Their vibrant hues create a feast for the eyes, making your dining experience all the more enjoyable.

By combining the spicy chicken pasta with these well-thought-out accompaniments, you’ll create a well-rounded, healthy dinner that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the senses. Each element complements the others, resulting in a dining experience that’s not just about satisfying hunger but also indulging in a symphony of tastes, textures, and colours.

Check Out My Other Recipes!

We’ve already indulged in the fiery embrace of my spicy chicken pasta, a dish that has titillated our palates and left us yearning for more. But my dear fellow gastronomes, the culinary journey does not end here. Oh no, it’s just the beginning!

As we delve deeper into the realm of delectable delights, we find ourselves at a crossroads, a crossroads adorned with a multitude of culinary signposts, each pointing us towards a new and exciting destination. So, my intrepid food enthusiasts, let’s set forth on this gastronomic odyssey and explore some more mouthwatering recipes.

First on the list is the classic comfort food that wraps you in a warm, cheesy embrace. Yes, you got it! Macaroni cheese. Creamy macaroni and gooey cheese unite to create a symphony of comfort on your plate. It’s a dish that transcends generations and brings solace with every velvety forkful.

Imagine layers of tender, succulent lamb intermingling with sheets of pasta, bathed in a rich tomato sauce, and cloaked in a blanket of melted cheese. Lamb lasagna is a dish fit for the most discerning of palates, a masterpiece of Italian cuisine that beckons you to savor its depths.

Tuna pasta bake is a dish that combines the goodness of the sea with the heartiness of pasta, the Tuna Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser like no other. The marriage of tuna, pasta, and a luscious béchamel sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving seconds.

A side dish that deserves its own standing ovation known as garlic bread. Garlic-infused, butter-soaked bread, toasted to perfection, is the ideal companion to any pasta dish. It’s the crispy, garlicky hug your taste buds never knew they needed.

For those moments when you crave the flavours of spicy chicken asta but yearn for simplicity, the one-pot chicken pasta comes to the rescue. It’s a culinary feat that packs all the flavor without the fuss, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Now, as you embark on your culinary exploration, remember to savor every bite, revel in the nuances of each dish, and perhaps even add your own twist to make them uniquely yours. And, dear foodie, don’t forget to rate the recipes you try and leave a comment to share your thoughts with the world. Your feedback is the secret sauce that makes the online cooking community thrive. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be forever filled with laughter, good company, and unforgettable flavours!

Spicy Chicken Pasta

This spicy chicken pasta recipe combines two of the nation’s favourite ingredients and is the perfect chicken recipe for your midweek family meals. You can’t go wrong with this spicy pasta recipe.

4.10 from 11 votes

Sadia Halimah Aziz

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 406kcal

Ingredients

Boiling Pasta:

• 2.5 L Water
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 500 g Pasta fusilli

Chicken Mixture:

• 50 ml Oil
• 3 Onions
• 6 cloves Garlic
• 1- inch Ginger
• 1 kg Chicken
• 800 g Tomatoes canned
• 2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp Chilli Flakes
• 2 Green Chillies
• 150 g Sweetcorn frozen
• Coriander

Instructions

• In a saucepan add the water and salt then stir until the salt is dissolved and bring it to a boil
• Add the pasta to the water and cook for 15 minutes on a gentle simmer until the pasta is cooked through to your liking
• Whilst the pasta is cooking in a large pot heat up the vegetable oil on medium heat until hot
• Add the finely diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes on medium heat until softened
• Add the sliced garlic cloves and the crushed ginger then cook for a further 2-3 minutes
• Finely dice the bell peppers before adding into the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes
• Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken changes colour and turns white
• Add the salt. black pepper, garam masala and chilli flakes then cook the spices for 3-4 minutes
• Add the finely sliced green chillies and cook for 2-3 minutes
• Add the canned tomatoes then cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to gently bubble
• Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through completely
• Add the frozen sweetcorn and cook for 4-5 minutes
• Finely chop the coriander and add into pan then cook for 1-2 minutes
• Drain the pasta and add the chicken mixture into the pasta and mix until everything is well combined
• Your spicy chicken pasta is ready!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal