Spicy Chicken And Pasta
Spicy Chicken and Pasta features tender chicken thighs and Italian sausage in a rich tomato-based sauce, accented with olives, herbs, and red pepper for a bold flavor. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines hearty ingredients with a touch of heat and fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 (28 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup black olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. dry pasta, such as ziti ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the Italian sausage into slices.
- Put the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Brown the sausage in the saucepan.
- Slice the onion and add to the pan, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Chop the garlic and add, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Drain the canned tomatoes, chop them, and stir into the sauce along with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1/2-inch strips across the grain.
- Pit and quarter the black olives.
- Add the chicken, olives, parsley, and crushed red pepper to the sauce and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Just before serving, boil the dry pasta until al dente and drain.
- Serve the pasta topped with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper or some diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage for a leaner option. If you don’t have fresh basil, try using dried basil instead, but reduce the amount by half. This recipe can also be adapted with your favorite vegetables or by using a different type of pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy chicken and pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the dish's flavor. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken Veggie Alfredo for a delightful Italian dinner spread or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken And Pasta contains roughly 1238 calories, with 30g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (94% of the Daily Value), and iron (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2902mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer! While ziti is recommended, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose for optimal texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and chicken. Instead, use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. You can also add more black olives for a savory kick and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth if needed.
What can I serve this dish with?
This spicy chicken and pasta dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, or some warm garlic bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light Italian-inspired antipasto platter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).