Name: Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 ounces penne; 2 tbsp olive oil; 14 ounces chicken fillets (cut into bite-size chunks); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 shallot (finely chopped); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried sage; 1 tsp sweet paprika; ¼ cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sambal oelek (more or less to taste); 5.5 ounces cherry tomatoes; 1 ¾ cups puréed tomatoes; ½ cup cream 20% fat; 2 ounces grated Parmesan (more for serving); 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the bold, comforting flavors of Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata! This fiery twist on a classic Italian favorite wraps juicy chunks of chicken, tender penne, and a sauce that’s luxuriously creamy with a spicy kick. Lively cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs play alongside rich Parmesan and cream, creating a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. If you adore dishes that hit every note — savory, spicy, creamy, and deeply satisfying — then Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata deserves a spot in your lineup.

Creamy Chicken all'Arrabbiata Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata lies in its approachable, pantry-friendly ingredient list. Each item contributes something wonderful, whether it’s heat, freshness, or luscious creaminess — so don’t skip a thing!

Penne: Perfectly shaped to capture every drop of the creamy, spicy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything sauté beautifully.
Chicken fillets: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook quickly and soak up all the vibrant flavors.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings out the true Italian aroma; don’t be shy!
Shallot: Milder than onion, shallots melt into the sauce for subtle sweetness.
Salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle background heat and depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: The hallmark of all’Arrabbiata – these make the dish sing with fiery character.
Dried oregano: Adds an unmistakable herby charm that ties everything together.
Dried sage: A little earthy, slightly peppery; a secret weapon for complex flavor.
Sweet paprika: Brings color and a subtle smokiness that plays well with the other spices.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, gathering every bit of savory goodness.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce and adds richness.
Sambal oelek: A chili paste booster; use more or less depending on your love of heat.
Cherry tomatoes: Their pop of juiciness creates lovely texture and fruity bursts.
Puréed tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce — smooth, robust, and perfectly tangy.
Cream (20% fat): Balances the chili heat and makes the sauce silky and luscious.
Grated Parmesan: Delivers savory, nutty undertones that round out every bite.
Chopped parsley: Sprinkled at the end for vibrant color and a fresh finish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata

Step 1: Bring Water to a Boil

Kick things off by filling a large pot with water and giving it a generous hit of salt. The well-seasoned water makes all the difference when it comes to flavorful pasta. Set it over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Penne

Add the penne to the bubbling water and cook just until al dente — think tender but still with a happy little bite in the center. Stir occasionally so nothing clumps together. Before draining, be sure to scoop out about 1/4 cup of that starchy cooking water; it’s liquid gold for bringing your sauce together later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large non-stick skillet, swirl in the olive oil and set over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the chicken pieces. Let them sear without fussing for a few minutes so you get golden edges. After about 5 minutes, stir in the shallot and garlic, letting them soften and perfume the oil. Next, sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, sage, and paprika. Let the spices toast for 30 seconds — your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and grab a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. This is where a ton of savory flavor hides! Stir in the tomato paste and sambal oelek, letting everything cook down for about a minute. You’ll notice the color getting richer and the sauce starting to smell deliciously tempting.

Step 5: Tomatoes and Simmering

Time for the cherry tomatoes — toss them in and let them blister and soften for a couple of minutes. Next, pour in the puréed tomatoes, bring the whole mix to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will merge into that irresistible Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata goodness.

Step 6: Creamy Finish

Now, swirl in the cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Let it bubble together for just a minute, melting into a velvety, glossy sauce. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a splash of your reserved pasta cooking water to loosen things up.

Step 7: Toss and Taste

Add your drained penne straight into the skillet and toss until every piece is gloriously coated. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning as needed — maybe a pinch more salt or another flurry of pepper. This is where the magic happens: everything comes together into the ultimate Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Divide the pasta among bowls, sprinkle generously with Parmesan, and for extra heat, a little red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper over the top. Take a moment to admire how stunning it looks before digging in!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata

Garnishes

Give your Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata that restaurant touch by showering it with extra Parmesan and finely chopped parsley. A dusting of red pepper flakes not only amps up the color but signals that glorious spicy edge. For a sunny bit of flair, add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few halved cherry tomatoes right on top.

Side Dishes

This pasta packs a punch but loves good company! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess. Warm, crusty bread is a must for swiping up every last bit of sauce. If you want to turn dinner into an event, try roasted asparagus or simply sautéed green beans on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata in a big shallow platter, with a cascade of cherry tomatoes and herbs. For a cozy date night, present individual portions in rustic bowls, topped with a dramatic twist of black pepper. Or, let everyone help themselves family-style — after all, pasta brings people together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for about three days. The flavors actually deepen and mellow after some time, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

For those nights when only comfort food will do, you’ll be glad to have a batch in the freezer! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata can be frozen up to two months. Just note: the creamy sauce may change texture slightly, but the flavors stay spot on.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or even milk to bring the sauce back to life. Stir constantly and heat just until warmed through. Top with extra Parmesan to freshen it up!

FAQs

How spicy is Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata?

It’s delightfully bold, thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes and sambal oelek. You can easily dial the heat up or down: use less sambal for a milder dinner, or add an extra pinch of pepper flakes if you crave a big kick.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne captures the sauce beautifully, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened, unflavored plant-based cream alternative (such as oat or soy cream). The sauce will still turn out lusciously silky, and you’ll get all the signature flavors of Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For sure. Swap the chicken for chunks of sautéed zucchini, eggplant, or even plant-based chicken. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian twist.

What wine should I serve with Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata?

A crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio or light-bodied Chianti pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce, balancing out the richness and heat. For a non-alcoholic match, try a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to refresh your palate between bites.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about Creamy Chicken all’Arrabbiata — it’s a dish that turns any meal into a celebration of flavor, comfort, and a little bit of kitchen adventure. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, give this recipe a try. I promise, once you taste that first creamy, spicy forkful, you’ll be hooked!