Creamy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

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This Creamy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort meal — tender pan-seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, smoky cream sauce with just the right kick 🌶️.
It’s restaurant-quality but made easily at home in under 40 minutes.

Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or when you want something indulgent and satisfying.

📝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich & creamy without being heavy
  • Perfect balance of spice and flavor
  • One pan + one pot
  • Great for leftovers

🛒 Ingredients

Pasta

  • 400 g rigatoni pasta
  • Salt (for boiling water)

Chicken

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Creamy Spicy Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 200 ml cooking cream (or heavy cream)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup pasta water
  • 50 g grated parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra chili flakes (optional)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Creamy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook rigatoni until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season chicken with paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove, rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same pan, melt butter.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Stir in paprika and chili flakes.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in cream and pasta water.
  6. Simmer on low until thick and smooth.
  7. Stir in parmesan until melted.

Step 4: Combine

  1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
  2. Toss until fully coated.
  3. Add sliced chicken on top.
  4. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes.

🌶️ Tips for Best Flavor

  • Use smoked paprika for deeper taste
  • Don’t overcook the cream — low heat is key
  • Add more pasta water if sauce thickens too much
  • Want extra heat? Add cayenne or chili oil 🔥

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with garlic bread
  • Pair with a fresh green salad
  • Perfect for cozy dinners or guests

📦 Storage

  • Fridge: up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk
  • Not freezer-friendly (cream sauce)

⭐ Variations

  • Swap chicken for shrimp
  • Add mushrooms or spinach
  • Use penne or fusilli instead of rigatoni

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