Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

This Spicy Chicken Rigatoni delivers a rich, creamy tomato sauce with just the right kick of heat, tender chicken, and plenty of melty Parmesan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 347

Notes

Ingredients (with measurements)

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied)
8 oz rigatoni pasta
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup minced shallot (about one medium-large shallot)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste concentrate (or 2 tbsp canned tomato paste)
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
1 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 sprig fresh basil, thinly sliced
1 oz goat cheese (optional)

How to Make Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry, butterfly it into thin cutlets, and season generously with salt and black pepper. This step ensures tender, flavorful bites in every forkful.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat and sauté the minced shallot until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper flakes, letting them caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Add a splash of water to loosen the browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and help create a richer sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add rigatoni, cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper directly to the skillet. Pour in enough water to nearly cover the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring often.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Reduce heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy. Add goat cheese if using.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Slice the chicken and return it to the pan along with fresh basil. Toss everything together and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
Add pasta water gradually to avoid a watery consistency
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
Taste as you go and adjust salt and spice levels

Small details make a big difference in turning this into a standout dish.

Easy Variations & Add-Ins

Extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or more goat cheese
Veggie boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Protein swap: Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken
Milder version: Reduce red pepper flakes or skip them entirely

This recipe is flexible enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Nutrition

Pinterest