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Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

A bold, comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, rigatoni, and a creamy spicy tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this restaurant-style recipe comes together in about 40 minutes and can be adjusted for any spice level.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • deep skillet or sauté pan for sauce
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. 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. 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. Stir in heavy cream, then add Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
  5. 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. Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Adjust the spice to taste with extra red pepper flakes or chili paste. Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier bites, or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Great for meal prep—sauce and chicken can be made ahead.