Description
This spicy garlic chicken pasta is a bold and easy dinner idea made with juicy chicken, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and creamy parmesan. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni or fusilli)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¾ cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: ¼ cup cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
Optional topping: more parmesan or fresh basil
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente and reserve ¾ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season sliced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining olive oil and sliced garlic to the skillet. Sauté on medium-low until fragrant and golden. Stir in red pepper flakes.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and parmesan. Toss to combine. Add parsley and serve.
Notes
To reduce the heat, use only ½ tsp of red pepper flakes or omit completely.
Cream cheese makes the sauce silkier without using heavy cream.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta, Garlic Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta, Dinner Pasta Ideas, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Cheese Sauce Recipe