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You are here: Home / Recipes / Quick & Easy Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Quick & Easy Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Published on February 26, 2019 by Helen 47 Comments
Last Updated on September 30, 2020

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This spicy chicken pasta recipe is big on flavour, but easy on effort and time. Adaptable and ready in less than 30 minutes for a fuss free weeknight supper. Recipe includes hints and tips for adding an extra portion of vegetables to the dish.

A close up of spaghetti, pieces of spicy garlic chicken, and spinach: our spicy garlic chicken pasta, the perfect week-night supper.

I love big, strong, gutsy flavours. My cupboards are full of spices and condiments, and I am always adding a bit of this and that to add a hit of flavour to a dish.  This no fuss chicken pasta recipe ticks all my big flavour boxes – garlic, pepper and paprika all mingle together to make a comforting pasta dish. 

This easy supper is perfect for eating on the sofa with a glass of wine and your favourite box set after a busy day at work. I’ve even included a generous portion of leafy greens, so this will count towards your 5 a day!  Hurrah!

Table of Contents

  • Chicken with pasta?
  • Why you should always save your pasta water
  • How to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta
  • Our top tips for Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta
  • How to Add Extra Vegetables to Pasta Dishes
  • Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes

Chicken with pasta?

You don’t find chicken pasta recipes in Italian cookbooks. In fact, most Italians would be horrified by the idea of serving chicken with pasta, perhaps because chicken is considered too light on flavour. Whatever the reason, it breaks the unwritten Italian food rules and the paring is generally regarded as mistake in Italy. My friend Luca wrote about why Italians won’t eat chicken with pasta.

I’ve spent weeks in Italy and adore the food, but I’m not Italian so the no chicken with pasta rule doesn’t apply to me.  Plus chicken makes an easy after work supper, and this dish is delicious to non Italian taste buds!

Why you should always save your pasta water

Whenever you cook pasta get into the habit of saving a little of the water – it will help transform a good pasta dish into a great pasta dish. Add a splash of the water to the pasta sauce to give it a silky smooth texture, and to really help the sauce evenly coat the pasta. This secret makes a huge difference to all pasta dishes!

You can either use the water from the pasta when it is nearly cooked, or save it and freeze in an ice cube tray for your next pasta supper.

Adding pasta water to the sauce results in a silky smooth sauce that evenly coats the pasta. This picture shows a deep blue ladle of cloudy pasta water being poured into a pan of pasta sauce that's in the background of the shot, out of focus.

How to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta

A top down view of a chopping board holding a raw chicken breast that has been cut into cubes. Next to the board is a small dish holding black pepper, garlic granules, and paprika.

Step one – cut the chicken into 1.5cm / 1/2″ cubes. In a mixing bowl, mix the garlic granules, black pepper, and paprika.

A picture of a glass bowl of chicken that has been covered with the spicy garlic rub. Next to the bowl is a empty small dish, and a measuring spoon.

Step two – add the chicken and mix well, so that the chicken pieces are all coated with the rub. The longer you can leave it for the better – ideally leave it in the fridge for 24 hours, but this is a quick after work dish so you can just mix and go!

Step three– boil a large saucepan of water, add salt and cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions.

A top down view of a black frying pan holding cubes of spicy garlic chicken. The chicken has been cooked, and is coloured brown.

Step four– whilst your pasta is coking heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, and fry the chicken. Turn frequently and cook until the chicken is starting to brown and has cooked all the way through.

Step five– when the pasta is nearly cooked, add the butter to the chicken along with 50 ml of the pasta water. Stir together, and let the liquid reduce to a sauce. Adding pasta water to sauces results in a deliciously smooth and unctuous sauce.

Step six– put your spinach in a sieve and drain the cooked spaghetti over it to wilt it, and shake well.  Add the butter to the empty (and still hot pasta pan) and cover with the cooked spaghetti and spinach. Cook on a low heat for a few minutes, stirring the whole time, until the butter has melted and the spinach wilted.

Step seven – stir in the cooked chicken and feta, and stir in. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Our top tips for Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Prepare ahead – To get supper on the table quickly, prepare ahead by mixing up a large batch of chicken and spices, and freeze in individual portions. Take out of the freezer in the morning, and allow to defrost during the day in the fridge.

A top down picture of a plastic clip-top contained holding cubes of chicken covered in paprika, garlic powder and black pepper rub, ready for the fridge or freezer.

  • Adding a little pasta water, to the sauce and then reducing it for a few minutes before mixing pasta and sauce makes a huge difference.
  • Adjust the flavours to suit your taste. Like heat? Add some chilli powder for an extra kick.
  • We used garlic granules for speed, but it you’re a garlic fan, crush a clove of fresh garlic and fry it in the oil for a minute or two before adding the chicken. Don’t let it burn, or the dish will taste bitter.
  • Use gluten free pasta to make this gluten free

How to Add Extra Vegetables to Pasta Dishes

We are a huge fan of extra vegetables and try to add some to every meal.

It is really easy to add vegetables to every pasta dish you make.

  • Delicate leafy greens – like spinach – plonk into the sieve and then drain the pasta over them – this is enough to wilt and cook them.
  • Fibrous leafy greens – like spring greens, kale, cabbage and calvo nero – remove the thick stalks, shred and throw into the pasta saucepan for the last two minutes of cooking.
  • Cauliflower and broccoli – cut into bite sized florets and cook with the pasta for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time
  • Go low carb – use half the amount of pasta, and add a few cups of cauliflower.
  • Beans and pulses – swap half the pasta for canned beans or chickpeas (gabanzo beans). Drain and rinse and boil with the pasta for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
  • Peas & Corn – Defrost and fry in with the chicken
  • Squash and pumpkin – peel, cut into cubes and roast, then freeze in airtight boxes.  Defrost (using the microwave if needed) then quickly heat by frying with the chicken.
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A close up picture of a plate of spicy garlic chicken pasta.
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4.96 from 25 votes

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta

This spicy chicken pasta recipe is super speedy to make, and is perfect for a week night supper. Adjust the flavours to suit your taste. To save time, prepare the chicken the night before, mix with the spices and leave in the fridge for up to 24 hours to marinade.  Recipe includes hints and tips for adding and extra portion of vegetables.
Servings: 2
Author: Helen Best-Shaw
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins

Ingredients

  • 120 g skinless chicken breast (medium sized)
  • ½ tsp garlic granules
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 150 g spaghetti (cook as per packet instructions)
  • 50 g spinach (one large handful)
  • 25 g butter (optional)
  • 50 g feta (crumbled)

Instructions

  • Place the cut chicken pieces, garlic granules, ground black pepper and paprika into a bowl, mix well and cover and leave in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Pour the olive oil, into a non-stick frying pan, and fry the chicken over a medium heat until starting to brown and cooked all the way though. Remove from the heat and start to cook the spaghetti.
  • When the spaghetti is nearly cooked, add half the butter to the chicken along with 50ml of the pasta cooking water, reheat and bring to a simmer and allow to reduce to make a sauce.
  • Once the spaghetti is cooked drain into a sieve, and shake well. Add the remainder of the butter, and the spinach to the pasta pan, then the cooked spaghetti. Cook over a low heat, stirring well until the butter is melted and the spinach is wilted.
  • Stir in the chicken mixture and feta into the pasta.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

To minimize time in the evening, mix up a large batch of chicken and spices, and freeze in individual portions. Take out of the freezer in the morning, and allow to defrost during the day in the fridge.
Nutritional information
  • This recipe is 18 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 575 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 87mg29%
Sodium 463mg20%
Potassium 528mg15%
Carbohydrates 59g20%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 27g54%
Vitamin A 3045IU61%
Vitamin C 7.8mg9%
Calcium 164mg16%
Iron 2.2mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main
Cuisine: Pasta
Keyword: pasta, spicy chicken pasta
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Update Notes: This recipe was originally posted in 2015, but was rewritten and republished with new photos, step by step instructions and hints & tips in February 2019.

If you liked this, you may also like my Speedy Spaghetti with anchovyor Pesto Chicken Pasta.

This spicy chicken pasta is big on flavour, but easy on effort and time. Perfect for a mid week supper.

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Filed Under: Italian, Main Meal, Pasta, Poultry, Quick & Easy, Recipes, £ Ingredients: Cheese, Chicken, Dairy, Garlic, Oil, Paprika, Pasta, Peppers, Spinach

Previous Post: « Indian Chickpea Curry with Tomato & Spinach {Vegan & Gluten Free}
Next Post: Greek Salad Pasta (Tomato, Feta and Olive) »

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Sarah

    5 stars
    You’ve made me realise that we rarely eat chicken with pasta, it’s normally cheese/mince or cheese/veg combo. Believe it or not, but I’ve got leftover roast chicken from last night sitting in the fridge ( Neil was going to take it to work but didn’t have time). Now I’m thinking spicy chicken pasta – it’s meant to be. :)

    Reply
    • Helen

      Sounds like the perfect Monday supper!

      Reply
  2. Helen at Casa Costello

    5 stars
    Great idea – Would be good to see the kids eating spicy chicken on something other than pizza. Marmite on toast is the BEST! (Thinly spread though – its potent)

    Reply
    • Helen

      This is so easy to make! I love Marmite, but not quite that much.

      Reply
  3. MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou

    I share the same thoughts about pasta and adding various spices to the recipe. Your version looks very colourful and I can tell from the images that the outcome is so light and delicious. Love it!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Thank you Krystallia, it is such a quick and delicious supper dish.

      Reply
  4. Annie @ Annie's Noms

    I love easy weeknight meals like this! You have some gorgeous flavours going on in this dish, I really must make it soon!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Thanks Annie, so so easy. It would work with rice too.

      Reply
  5. Ali @ Home & Plate

    5 stars
    What a lovely pasta dish. I think the spicy chicken would add the best flavor to the dish and preparing the chicken ahead of time allows you to pull it together quickly. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

    Reply
    • Helen

      You could also spice it and then freeze the chicken. I love to be prepared.

      Reply
  6. Helen @ family-friends-food.com

    5 stars
    Was reading this and wondering how to make it veggie… then got to the end and realised you’d already thought of that! Butternut squash it is! Sounds delish :-)

    Reply
    • Helen

      I’ve got you covered! At a pinch salmon would work too.

      Reply
  7. Immaculate

    Garlic and chicken is just such a great flavor combo ! Combined with Pasta and you’ve got me drooling . YUM!

    Reply
    • Helen

      This recipe is going to become a regular!

      Reply
  8. Rachel Anderson

    5 stars
    This looks delicious. I love pasta dishes like this, all mixed together.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So quick and easy Rachel.

      Reply
  9. Francis

    5 stars
    A lovely looking plate of quick and simple food.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  10. corina

    It sounds gorgeous! My 2 children could eat marmite like your friend does – I have to stop them all the time!

    Reply
    • Helen

      I think I might have said “It’s not chocolate spread you know”

      Reply
  11. Oliver

    5 stars
    Love me some Italian food! This looks like a fab dish and relatively easy to prepare so I’m bookmarking it for future reference!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Enjoy it when you make it.

      Reply
  12. [email protected]

    5 stars
    What a great flavour combination and as a huge spice and herb fan I would love to re-create this dish at home. I’m with you on the marmite though!

    Reply
    • Helen

      We loved this one Laura. So easy, but so tasty.

      Reply
  13. Ren Behan

    5 stars
    Simple and delicious. We all love Italian food at home and the subtle spices sound lovely here.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So quick and easy, as well as delicious!

      Reply
  14. Kavey

    We love quick and easy pasta recipes and spicy garlic black pepper sounds a great flavouring!

    Reply
    • Helen

      So quick, delicious and falvour packed.

      Reply
    • Helen

      So quick, delicious and flavour packed.

      Reply
  15. ali randall

    5 stars
    I am always looking for delicious recipes that I can get on the table quickly. This has everything necessary for a delicious and quick dinner during the week.

    Reply
  16. Natalie M

    5 stars
    I really love tasty pasta dishes and they are so handy to make for mid-week meals. This sounds delicious, can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  17. Bryan B

    5 stars
    I actually didn’t realise that it was uncouth to have chicken and pasta in one dish. I quite often pair them, they go so well together. It is also a great tip to use a little of the pasta water. Great recipe for a very tasty supper.

    Reply
  18. Tisha

    5 stars
    This looks so quick and easy! I am all about chicken and pasta!!!

    Reply
    • Helen

      it is such a good combination!

      Reply
  19. Heidy L. McCallum

    5 stars
    This pasta dish looks amazing! I love how you have kicked up the flavors! I love a little spice. Saving this for later.

    Reply
    • Helen

      We love this dish, simple, but oh so tasty.

      Reply
  20. Gabi

    5 stars
    This dish looks packed with flavor and yumminess. I’m convinced that it will easily be approved by my chicken loving hubby:)

    Reply
  21. Alison Harvey

    5 stars
    I love the idea of tasty chicken and pasta. Perfect for a good family meal.

    Reply
  22. Tina

    5 stars
    Ideal recipe for a quick and easy supper. I love chicken and pasta together.

    Reply
  23. Maggie T

    5 stars
    We’re big pasta fans in this house, so this is a delicious looking dinner to make up.

    Reply
  24. Natasha

    5 stars
    I love packing in loads of veggies in my pasta dishes. Friday is often pasta day, and I use up whatever is left in the fridge. Chicken is a nice addition.

    Reply
  25. Jade Williamson

    5 stars
    I love a tasty pasta dish, such an easy thing to make. Just right for busy weekdays.

    Reply
  26. Andrea Bloom

    5 stars
    I know what I’m making for dinner tonight now. This looks yummy! I really enjoy chicken with pasta.

    Reply
  27. Courtney

    5 stars
    I make a lot of pasta dishes, its kind of my go to meal. So easy to make and nice and tasty. This looks very nice.

    Reply
  28. Sophie

    5 stars
    I like pasta dishes that aren’t over complicated but don’t scrimp on the flavors. This is ideal. Nice and easy to make and full of tasty ingredients. Just right.

    Reply
  29. Vanessa Duncan

    5 stars
    I have found that making pasta dishes like this and hiding veggies in it is the perfect way to get my little boy to eat more good stuff. And I love it too, so it’s an all round winner for me.

    Reply
  30. Tammy

    4 stars
    I really enjoy chicken and pasta dishes, but I like mine to be good and spicy with plenty of chilli in. This sounds nice and tasty.

    Reply

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Headshot of Helen Best-Shaw, Food Blogger at Fuss Free Flavours I'm Helen, full time freelance food writer, photographer and blogger. On this site you will find my fuss-free recipes, travel and reviews. Learn more here
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