Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

If you’ve been craving a dinner recipe that is bold, comforting, and comes together in under an hour, then this Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni will be your new weeknight favorite! With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a creamy spicy tomato sauce, this dish is a dream come true for pasta lovers. The little kick of spice takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness—anything but boring!!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect pasta night. It’s:

• Easy to make – simple steps, nothing fussy.
• Packed with flavor – the creamy tomato base with red pepper flakes and garlic is a powerhouse.
• Family-friendly with a kick – spice can easily be adjusted.
• Restaurant-style at home – it feels indulgent without requiring a lot of effort.

When you put a forkful of spicy chicken rigatoni in your mouth, you’ll get that creamy-tangy tomato flavor first, then the warmth of chili flakes kicks in, balanced by juicy chicken and tender pasta. It’s comfort food with a little sass!

Ingredients for Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe together:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (add more if you like it extra spicy!)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or sauté pan for sauce
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
• Penne or ziti if you don’t have rigatoni on hand.
• Crushed red pepper paste or Calabrian chili paste for even deeper heat.
• Greek yogurt or light cream if you’d like a lighter sauce.
• Spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

How to Make Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner ready in about 40 minutes:

1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce base – In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and a pinch more salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cream it up – Stir in the heavy cream, then add Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Combine everything – Return the chicken to the pan, then add cooked rigatoni. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve & garnish – Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

The smell when this is in the pan is incredible!!

What to Serve with Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

This pasta is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad.
• Garlic bread or focaccia (perfect for scooping up the sauce).
• A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Tips for Making the Best Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

• Don’t overcook the pasta—rigatoni holds sauce better when it’s slightly firm.
• If you love it extra creamy, stir in an extra splash of cream before serving.
• Want more spice? Add fresh chopped chili peppers along with the garlic.
• Reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for getting the perfect sauce consistency.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of cream.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring in a little pasta water or cream to keep it silky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the sauce and chicken ahead, then boil the pasta just before serving and toss everything together.

How spicy is this pasta?
It’s mild-to-medium depending on your red pepper flake amount. Start small—you can always add more!

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Will other proteins work?
Definitely. Shrimp, Italian sausage, or even tofu all make delicious substitutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg

Conclusion

There you have it—Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, a pasta that’s indulgent yet simple, spicy yet creamy, and absolutely unforgettable. This dish proves that a weeknight dinner can feel like a restaurant-quality meal without hours in the kitchen.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations.

And if you’re loving pasta night, you might also enjoy these recipes with a little kick:

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Spicy Shrimp Linguine
• Baked Ziti with a Kick