Name: Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (about 1.5 pounds); 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves); 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for garnish); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3-4 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 cups marinara sauce; ½ cup peas; 1 pound rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Fresh grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 253 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy comfort with an exciting spicy kick, then this Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe will soon become your new go-to favorite. This hearty pasta combines tender strips of chicken, rich marinara and heavy cream sauce, and just the right amount of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The addition of fresh peas adds a pop of color and a delicate sweetness that rounds out every bite, creating a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with irresistible flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black frying pan on a white marbled surface, filled with pieces of light pink raw chicken strips cooking with small black pepper flakes scattered on top. A wooden spatula is in the pan, stirring or moving the chicken. The chicken pieces show slight browning at the edges, indicating early cooking stages. The scene is brightly lit, capturing the texture and color of the chicken and the pan clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe plays an important role—some add boldness, others bring creaminess, and a few add just the right texture and balance to keep the dish bright and interesting. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious dinner.

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a tender bite.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that’s foundational to the sauce.
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides the perfect spicy heat that defines this dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the depth of flavor with subtle warmth.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all flavors with just a pinch.
3-4 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, adding richness without heaviness.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety element that coats every rigatoni tube.
2 cups marinara sauce: Brings a vibrant tomato base, adding brightness and savoriness.
½ cup peas: Adds freshness and a subtle sweetness to contrast the spice.
1 pound rigatoni noodles: The perfect pasta to hold the sauce with its tube shape; cook al dente for the best texture.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish to the sauce and helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Fresh grated parmesan cheese: For garnishing that extra layer of salty umami.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Seasonings

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and coarse black pepper to the hot oil. This step is where all those amazing aromas start forming, so give it 2-3 minutes for the garlic to become fragrant and for the peppers to release their heat into the oil.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Next, add the thin strips of chicken breast to the skillet along with the salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and perfectly tender. This quick cooking ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs all the spicy, garlicky flavors.

Step 3: Building the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and give it a good stir to combine. Then add the heavy cream, mixing everything together into a rich, creamy sauce. Allow this to simmer gently for about 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully, thickening the sauce slightly to cling to the rigatoni later.

Step 4: Adding the Peas and Butter

Stir in the unsalted butter and peas, letting the butter melt smoothly while the peas heat through. This adds a lovely touch of color and a slight pop of sweetness, which balances the spiciness perfectly. Stir everything until the sauce is silky and comforting.

Step 5: Mixing Pasta and Final Touches

Finally, combine the cooked rigatoni noodles with your sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every rigatoni tube is filled with the creamy, spicy goodness. Before serving, sprinkle fresh grated parmesan cheese and a pinch or two of extra crushed red pepper flakes on top for an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

The image shows a black skillet filled with creamy pasta rigatoni coated in a smooth orange sauce. There are small green peas scattered evenly through the pasta, adding a touch of color. A wooden spoon is stirring the pasta on the right side of the skillet, with some rigatoni resting on the spoon. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, and part of a green and white checkered cloth is visible in the top left corner. The pasta looks soft and perfectly cooked with a shiny texture from the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese is a must—its salty richness perfectly complements the spicy sauce. For those who love more heat, a light dusting of extra crushed red pepper flakes will elevate the dish beautifully. Freshly chopped parsley can also add a refreshing herbal note and a vibrant green contrast.

Side Dishes

This spicy chicken rigatoni pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with its bold flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette refreshes the palate, while warm garlic bread offers a hearty way to savor every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, add excellent texture and nutrition without overpowering the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the rigatoni in individual ramekins topped with extra parmesan and broiled briefly for a golden crust. You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for creamy contrast or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. Presenting this dish family-style on a large platter encourages sharing, making it perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you a convenient and delicious meal option for the next day or two.

Freezing

While creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly due to the dairy content, you can freeze this recipe if needed. Use a freezer-safe container, leave some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from breaking. You can add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works beautifully due to its hollow shape that traps sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli would be excellent alternatives. Just make sure to cook them al dente to maintain the ideal texture.

How spicy is the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and can be easily adjusted to your liking by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild, reduce the amount or omit the red pepper flakes altogether and garnish with just a pinch for subtle warmth.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the peas or add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. The creamy spicy sauce is robust enough that it still shines without meat.

What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce. A sauce with fresh tomato flavor and good herbs will enhance the dish, but avoid overly sweet or heavily seasoned versions to keep the balance just right.

Is there a way to lighten up this dish?

If you want a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream. You could also reduce the butter slightly or use olive oil only, but remember it will change the creamy texture and richness somewhat.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe brings together comfort and excitement in every forkful, and I can’t recommend it enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re only about 30 minutes away from creating a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. Give it a try, get creative with your garnishes and sides, and enjoy a little spicy magic in your pasta rotation!