Easy Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)

If you’re looking for a spicy chicken pasta recipe that’s bold, nourishing, and weeknight-friendly, you’re in the right place! This flavorful dish comes together in under an hour and is packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and a kick of spice without any dairy or gluten. Perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something homemade and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Pasta

Easy & Quick: This dish is made in one pan and takes less than an hour start to finish.
Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with fiber-rich veggies and protein. The spicy chicken pasta ingredients support a balanced meal.
Allergy-Friendly: It’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free when you use the right products.
Totally Customizable: Switch up the sauce, swap the veggies, or add cheese if you’d like it’s super flexible!

If you’re into pasta dishes like this, you’ll love these reader-favorites too:

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Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: A cozy and herby baked pasta dish loaded with pesto, juicy chicken, and melty cheese.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: Rich and comforting, this dish combines tender chicken with savory mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: Quick, buttery chicken bites served over a luscious parmesan pasta—easy and indulgent!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

1 lb Chicken Breast: I love organic, free-range options like Butcher Box or Bell & Evans.
24 oz Tomato Sauce: I used Primal Kitchen’s Dairy-Free Vodka Sauce.
12 oz Gluten-Free Pasta: Brown rice pasta from Jovial is my go-to.
3 Bell Peppers: Use red, orange, or yellow for sweetness and color.
1 Sweet Onion: Adds depth. Red onion works too.
1 Cup Pasta Water: Helps blend and stretch the sauce.
2–4 Cloves Garlic: Freshly chopped or pre-minced.
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Or avocado/coconut oil.

Seasonings

1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Optional Add-Ins

1/4 cup Chopped Kalamata Olives
Handful Baby Spinach
Cherry Tomatoes or Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Dairy-Free Cheese (like Miyoko’s mozzarella or parmesan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season & Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix chicken breast with olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Let it sit while prepping other ingredients or marinate longer for more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Sear chicken in a hot skillet (medium-high heat) for about 8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Set aside and let rest.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add more olive oil and toss in bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook covered on medium-low until the onions are soft and caramelized.

4. Slice the Chicken

Once cooled a bit, thinly slice your cooked chicken.

5. Combine Chicken & Sauce

Add sliced chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Pour in your tomato sauce and let everything simmer together.

6. Cook Pasta & Combine

Boil your pasta according to the package (al dente is best!). Reserve some pasta water. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of pasta water to the skillet. Mix everything until well coated.

Serve hot and enjoy your easy spicy chicken pasta!

Expert Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Pasta

Let the sauce simmer a bit with the veggies and chicken to deepen the flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked (165°F).
If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great.
Cook your gluten-free pasta until just al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
Marinate the chicken ahead of time for a deeper, richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

Add-Ins:

Cherry tomatoes
Spinach or arugula
Chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes

Sides:

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Crusty gluten-free bread like Cassava Flour Bread or Herb Garlic Bread

Garnish Ideas:

Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Chopped basil
Dairy-free shredded cheese

FAQs

Can I make this spicy chicken pasta recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free when you use a sauce like Primal Kitchen’s Dairy-Free Vodka Sauce. Just double-check your pasta and sauce labels to make sure there are no hidden dairy ingredients.

What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?

While the recipe uses Jovial Brown Rice Fettuccine, any gluten-free or regular pasta works well. Penne, rotini, or spaghetti all pair nicely with the spicy chicken pasta sauce.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Just cut down or skip the cayenne pepper. You can also add a splash of coconut milk or a bit of cream (if not dairy-free) to mellow the heat.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just chop it up and stir it into the skillet when combining the sauce and veggies.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy and moist.

Can I meal prep this spicy chicken pasta?

Definitely. Make a full batch and portion into containers. For the best texture, cook pasta slightly under if you’re planning to reheat later in the week.

How To Store Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Love This Spicy Chicken Pasta? Pin It for Later!

This spicy chicken pasta is a must-try if you’re craving something bold, comforting, and easy to make. With wholesome ingredients and bold flavor, it’s the perfect dish for busy nights or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a spicy chicken pasta no cream, a healthy gluten-free option, or just simple spicy chicken pasta recipes easy enough for any cook, this one checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to try variations like cajun chicken pasta or add-ins to keep it fresh every time you make it!

Love this recipe? Pin it on Pinterest so you can find it easily next time