Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Penne tossed in zesty chili tomato sauce, topped with seared chicken strips and fresh basil.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Chicken

03 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 12 oz)
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Chili Tomato Sauce

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
10 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 red chili, finely chopped (or 1 tsp red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
12 - 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
13 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1 tsp sugar
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
17 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 2 minutes, then slice into strips.
03 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red chili, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Incorporate reserved pasta water into the sauce to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Layer sliced chicken strips on top or fold into the pasta.
07 - Plate the dish hot and garnish with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in under 15 minutes, which means you're eating dinner before you've finished telling someone about your day.
  • That perfect balance of heat and depth makes it crave-worthy enough to eat three times a week without getting bored.
  • Protein-packed and genuinely satisfying, it won't leave you hungry at 9 pm.
02 -
  • Don't drain your pasta water before you've reserved it, that starchy liquid is what transforms watery sauce into something that actually clings to the noodles.
  • If your chicken looks pale and sad, your pan wasn't hot enough, and that makes all the difference between tender and interesting versus rubbery and forgettable.
03 -
  • Cook your pasta one minute under package time and finish it in the sauce with a splash of water, that's where the magic happens and carbs finally taste silky.
  • If you have leftover sauce, it freezes beautifully and becomes even more flavorful after a few days because the flavors have time to get to know each other.
Go Back