Chicken Penne Arrabbiata: 30 Minutes to Spicy Bliss

Name: Chicken Penne Arrabbiata: 30 Minutes to Spicy Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups penne pasta; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Parmesan cheese, for serving

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: chicken penne arrabbiata! This meal is a delightful whirlwind of flavors—it’s spicy, it’s comforting, and it’s just so darn easy to whip up! Seriously, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and has a little kick, this is it! The combination of tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all nestled in that rich, zesty tomato sauce, makes every bite a flavor explosion. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on those busy nights when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too!

chicken penne arrabbiata - detail 1

Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta
1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil (for that lovely flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on how spicy you like it!)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (the star of the sauce)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance those flavors)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (a little kick of warmth)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for that fresh, aromatic touch)
Parmesan cheese, for serving (because you can’t have enough cheese!)

How to Prepare Chicken Penne Arrabbiata

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff—making this amazing chicken penne arrabbiata! I promise, once you follow these steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, let’s cook that penne pasta! Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil—think of it like a warm bath for the pasta. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the 2 cups of penne and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente (that’s chef-speak for perfectly cooked, with just a slight bite!). Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling later.

Sautéing the Chicken

Now, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once that oil is nice and hot, add in your 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You want to make sure it’s evenly cooked, so give it a little love and attention while it sizzles away!

Making the Sauce

With the chicken all cooked up, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant—oh my gosh, the smell is divine! Next, pour in that glorious can of crushed tomatoes along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld together into a beautiful sauce!

Combining Ingredients

Finally, it’s time for the grand finale! Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with your sauce and gently mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. Right before serving, stir in 1/4 cup of fresh chopped basil for that burst of freshness. And don’t forget to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top when you serve it—it just makes everything better! Enjoy every spicy, comforting bite of your homemade chicken penne arrabbiata!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time—ready in just 30 minutes!
Rich, bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds
Adjustable spice levels—add more or less red pepper flakes based on your heat preference
One-pan meal means fewer dishes to clean up!
Perfect for meal prep—enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner!
Versatile—swap out chicken for shrimp or veggies if you’re feeling adventurous
Comfort food that’s healthy, low in fat, and packed with protein

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chicken penne arrabbiata turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to elevate your dish:

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh basil and high-quality canned tomatoes. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor!
Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want that extra kick!
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on that penne! Cooking it al dente is key to ensuring it holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.
Let It Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for those flavors to really meld together. A good 10 minutes is perfect, but if you can let it go a bit longer, even better!
Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even some roasted veggies. This recipe is super versatile, so get creative!
Garnish with Style: When serving, don’t just sprinkle the Parmesan cheese—grate it fresh for a lovely melt over the hot pasta. And a few extra basil leaves on top add a nice touch!
Make It Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious chicken penne arrabbiata that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

So, you’ve whipped up this incredible chicken penne arrabbiata, and now you might be wondering what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful. I’ve got you covered with some tasty side dishes and drink pairings that will perfectly complement this spicy pasta dish!

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adds that extra comforting touch to your meal.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing is a fantastic way to balance the spice of the arrabbiata. The coolness of the lettuce is refreshing!
Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus with olive oil and roast them until they’re tender. They add a lovely color and flavor to your plate!
Sautéed Spinach: A simple sauté of fresh spinach with a touch of garlic is a healthy and vibrant side that goes beautifully with the pasta.

Drink Pairings

Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a nice Italian red wine pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the arrabbiata. It enhances the meal without overpowering it.
Sparkling Water: If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon is a great choice. It cleanses the palate between bites!
Italian Beer: A crisp lager or a light pilsner can complement the spices well, making for a refreshing accompaniment to your dish.

With these suggestions, your chicken penne arrabbiata dinner will be a feast for the senses! Whether you go for a warm and cozy vibe with garlic bread or keep it light with a salad, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy every moment of your delicious meal!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious chicken penne arrabbiata! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each serving. Here’s the breakdown:

Calories: 450
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 30g

This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a wonderful balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal option. Plus, it’s low in fat! So go ahead and indulge in your chicken penne arrabbiata—you can feel good about what you’re putting on your plate!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my favorite for this dish, you can swap it out for any pasta you have on hand, like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may vary!

What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste. It’ll still add that lovely Italian flavor!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This chicken penne arrabbiata keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as it reheats.

How do I store leftovers?
For leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to avoid leaving it out too long to keep it safe!

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. It’s a great way to have a quick meal ready to go!

What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you want to switch things up, you can use shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for shrimp, which cooks much quicker!

Is this recipe spicy?
It definitely has a kick, thanks to the red pepper flakes! If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to start with less or even omit it altogether. You can always add a little more if you want to turn up the heat!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Of course! Just swap out the regular penne for gluten-free pasta. There are lots of great options available now, and they work wonderfully in this recipe!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.