Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly comforting, and surprisingly easy to prepare? Look no further than this delightful Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken! While “Arrabiata” might sound like a gourmet meal reserved for Italian restaurants, this recipe proves you can whip up an authentic, soul-satisfying dish right in your own kitchen – a meal your entire family will absolutely adore.

The name “Arrabiata” literally translates to “angry” in Italian, a playful nod to the fiery kick it gets from chili peppers. In this version, we’ve carefully balanced the spice to be family-friendly, but don’t hesitate to dial up the heat with extra red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bolder, more “angry” flavor! Beyond the zesty sauce, we’re adding a layer of indulgence with perfectly crispy chicken cutlets, making this a complete and deeply satisfying meal that’s far from basic.

What Exactly is Penne Arrabiata? A Deeper Dive into This Classic Dish

Penne Arrabiata is a beloved Italian pasta dish with a vibrant history rooted in the Lazio region, particularly in Rome. Its defining characteristic is a simple yet powerfully flavored sauce crafted from a handful of fundamental ingredients: garlic, ripe tomatoes, and, most importantly, dried red chili peppers, all simmered in rich olive oil. The name “Arrabiata,” meaning “angry” in Italian, perfectly captures the spicy personality of the sauce, which can range from a gentle warmth to an invigorating heat, depending on your preference and the amount of chili flakes used. Traditionally, this is a vegetarian dish, revered for its bold, rustic charm and comforting qualities.

While the classic Arrabiata sauce stands proudly on its own, our adaptation takes this comforting dish to the next level by incorporating perfectly crispy chicken breast cutlets. This addition transforms the pasta from a delightful side or a lighter meal into a hearty, protein-rich main course. The golden, crunchy exterior of the chicken provides a superb textural contrast to the tender penne pasta and the rich, spicy tomato sauce. It’s a brilliant way to create a more substantial and balanced meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight family dinners or for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal fuss. Here’s why this Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken will become a staple in your recipe rotation:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Despite its sophisticated flavor, this recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal.
• Explosion of Flavors: The sauce strikes a perfect balance between tangy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a delightful chili kick. Paired with the savory, crispy chicken, every bite is a symphony of tastes and textures.
• Customizable Spice Level: Whether you prefer a subtle warmth or a fiery blaze, the spice level is entirely in your hands. Easily adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your family’s preferences.
• Complete Meal in One: With pasta, protein, and a rich sauce, this dish is a full, satisfying meal all on its own. No need for endless side dishes, though a simple green salad always complements it beautifully.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be drawn to the comforting pasta and crispy chicken, especially when the spice is tailored to their liking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily switch out proteins, add more vegetables, or make it vegetarian to suit dietary needs or simply to experiment with new flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken

Crafting this exceptional dish relies on a combination of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavors and delightful textures that make this recipe a standout. Let’s delve into what you’ll need and why each ingredient is chosen.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil, divided: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is the foundation of many Italian dishes, imparting a rich, fruity flavor. Here, it’s divided: one portion forms the base of our aromatic sauce, while the other is essential for frying the chicken to a beautiful golden crisp. The quality of your olive oil truly makes a difference.
• 6 cloves garlic, sliced: Fresh garlic is indispensable for an authentic Arrabiata sauce. Six cloves might sound generous, but as it slowly sautés, its pungent bite mellows into a sweet, aromatic depth that underpins the entire dish without overpowering it. Slicing the garlic rather than mincing it helps prevent it from burning too quickly, allowing for a more even flavor infusion.
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes: This is the soul of “Arrabiata” – the element that brings the “angry” heat! Starting with 1/2 teaspoon provides a pleasant, medium warmth, ideal for families or those who enjoy a subtle kick. If you’re a true chili fiend and crave a bolder, more intense fire, feel free to increase this to 1 teaspoon or even more. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it away!
• 1 (28-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, Italian style: These tomatoes are the heart of our sauce. Petite diced tomatoes offer a delightful texture without needing extensive breakdown, and the “Italian style” often means they come pre-seasoned with herbs like basil or oregano, adding an extra layer of authentic Mediterranean flavor. For the best results, look for high-quality brands or even specific varieties like San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet, balanced flavor.
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce: This ingredient is key to achieving a beautifully cohesive and rich sauce that lovingly clings to the penne pasta. It helps to thicken the sauce and ensures a smoother, more luscious consistency compared to diced tomatoes alone.
• 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil is non-negotiable for that vibrant, herbaceous finish. Stirred in near the end of cooking, it introduces a fragrant burst of peppery, sweet aroma that brightens the entire dish and adds an unparalleled freshness. Avoid substituting with dried basil if possible, as the flavor profile is distinctly different.
• 1 (12-oz) package penne pasta: Penne, with its distinctive tube shape and ridged surface, is perfectly designed to capture and hold the robust Arrabiata sauce. While traditional durum wheat pasta is classic, don’t hesitate to opt for healthier alternatives like whole wheat or lower-carb penne for added fiber and nutritional benefits.
• 2 eggs: These are vital for creating the perfect crispy coating on our chicken. Whisked eggs act as a crucial binder, allowing the breadcrumbs to adhere firmly to the chicken, which is essential for achieving that sought-after golden-brown crunch.
• 2 cups Italian style bread crumbs: These seasoned bread crumbs are the secret to our deliciously crispy chicken cutlets. Italian-style breadcrumbs come pre-mixed with herbs and spices like oregano, parsley, and garlic, infusing instant flavor into the chicken. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, you can easily replicate this by adding your own blend of dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• 1 tsp. garlic powder: This finely milled spice enhances the savory depth of the chicken’s breading, providing a subtle but important flavor boost that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• 1 tsp. salt: A fundamental seasoning used for both the chicken breading and, crucially, for salting the pasta water. Proper seasoning throughout the cooking process is key to a flavorful dish.
• 1/2 tsp. pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and balances the other spices in the chicken coating, contributing to a well-rounded flavor profile.
• 1 pound thin chicken breast cutlets or tenderloins: Thin cutlets are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly, ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy on the inside while achieving a perfectly crispy exterior without overcooking. If you have thicker chicken breasts, simply slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound them gently with a meat mallet between two sheets of plastic wrap until they reach your desired thickness.

Step-by-Step Directions: Crafting Your Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken

Follow these detailed instructions to create a restaurant-quality meal that is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Each step is designed to build layers of flavor and texture, resulting in an unforgettable dining experience right in your own home.

Directions:

1. 1. Prepare the Aromatic Arrabiata Sauce: Begin by heating 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a sturdy Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering gently, add the sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic carefully for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and achieves a light, golden-brown hue. It’s crucial not to let the garlic burn, as this can impart a bitter taste to your sauce. Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and continue to sauté for another minute; this allows the heat to “bloom” the chili’s flavor and aroma into the oil. Pour in the entire can of petite diced tomatoes (including their juices) and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, then add the fresh chopped basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This simmering time is essential as it allows all the flavors to meld, deepen, and concentrate, creating a truly robust and complex sauce. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. 2. Cook the Penne Pasta to Perfection: While your sauce is simmering and developing its rich flavors, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to your pasta water is critical as it seasons the pasta from within. Once boiling vigorously, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente – tender yet still firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and provides a pleasant chew. Drain the pasta thoroughly, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water can be a lifesaver if you need to loosen your sauce slightly or help it adhere better to the pasta later on.

3. 3. Set Up the Crispy Chicken Breading Station: To prepare your chicken for frying, set up a simple yet efficient dredging station. In a small bowl, whisk the two eggs with a fork until they are thoroughly combined and frothy. In a separate, shallow bowl or dish, place the Italian-style bread crumbs. Into these bread crumbs, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. Take each thin chicken cutlet, dip it completely into the whisked egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then, immediately transfer the chicken to the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure it is fully and evenly coated on all sides. Repeat this process for all your chicken pieces, setting them aside on a clean plate.

4. 4. Fry the Chicken to Golden-Brown Crispy Excellence: Heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil in another large skillet (or clean and reuse the skillet from the sauce, if desired) over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat up sufficiently until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness. Fry for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the coating achieves a beautiful, deep golden-brown color and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the crispy chicken pieces from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, helping them stay extra crispy.

5. 5. Combine, Simmer, and Serve Your Masterpiece: Once all the chicken is fried to perfection, cut it into convenient slices or bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat with pasta. Gently toss these crispy chicken slices directly into the simmering Arrabiata sauce. Stir everything together carefully to coat the chicken, and allow it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to absorb some of the incredible flavors from the sauce. Finally, add the drained, cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, spicy sauce. Simmer for a final 2-3 minutes, letting the pasta truly soak up all the deliciousness. If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh basil, and prepare to truly ENJOY your homemade Italian feast!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Penne Arrabiata

Elevate your cooking with these expert tips to ensure your Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken is nothing short of spectacular:

• Invest in Quality Ingredients: With a recipe this simple, the quality of each ingredient truly shines. Opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and reputable brands of Italian canned tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
• Taste and Adjust the Spice: Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own. If you adore a fiery kick, add more red pepper flakes, or even a finely minced fresh bird’s eye chili for an extra punch. For a milder family-friendly version, you can reduce the flakes or omit them entirely. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust to your preference.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: The 20-minute simmering time for the sauce is not just a suggestion; it’s essential for flavor development. This period allows the garlic, tomatoes, and chili to meld into a harmonious and deeply flavorful profile. Patience here truly pays off.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Always aim to cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight firmness to the bite. Al dente pasta provides a pleasant chew and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce, ensuring a better overall texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan when Frying Chicken: When frying your breaded chicken cutlets, ensure there is enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature significantly, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less crispy coating. Fry in batches if necessary for optimal crunch.
• Fresh Basil is Key: While some basil goes into the sauce during simmering, adding a final sprinkle of fresh chopped basil just before serving is transformative. It brightens the entire dish, adds a wonderful aroma, and provides a pop of fresh, vibrant color.
• Reserve Pasta Water: As mentioned in the directions, reserving some starchy pasta water is a chef’s secret weapon. If your sauce seems too thick or needs a little help clinging to the pasta, a splash of this water can create a silkier, more cohesive consistency.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Culinary Experience

This Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can elevate the dining experience and create a truly memorable spread with a few thoughtful accompaniments:

• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous dusting of high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, umami depth that perfectly complements the spicy sauce and crispy chicken. It’s a classic Italian finishing touch.
• Crusty Italian Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of Italian bread or garlic bread is indispensable. It’s perfect for mopping up every last delicious drop of that incredible sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness and warmth of the pasta dish. It cleanses the palate beautifully.
• A Glass of Wine: For those who enjoy a libation, pair this robust dish with a medium-bodied red wine. A Chianti, a Zinfandel, or a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo would all be excellent choices to enhance the Italian flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of nutrients and flavor, consider serving alongside some simply roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli florets, or zucchini.

Variations and Customizations: Make This Recipe Truly Your Own!

One of the many beauties of Penne Arrabiata is its incredible versatility. Don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor this recipe to your personal preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand:

• Vegetarian Option: For a classic, fiery vegetarian Arrabiata, simply omit the chicken. You can enhance the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, sliced zucchini, or even roasted eggplant cubes to the sauce for extra texture and earthy flavor.
• Alternative Proteins: If chicken isn’t your preference, this recipe adapts wonderfully to other proteins. Consider adding cooked Italian sausage (either spicy or mild), plump seared shrimp, tender calamari, or even homemade meatballs for a different protein twist.
• Boost with More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor complexity by incorporating additional vegetables into the sauce. Sautéed bell peppers (red or yellow), fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), or sweet cherry tomatoes halved and added during the last 10 minutes of simmering would all be delicious additions.
• Cheesy Indulgence: While Parmesan is traditional for serving, you could stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese into the sauce at the very end, allowing it to melt and create a richer, cheesier pasta experience.
• Herb Alternatives: If fresh basil is unavailable, a touch of fresh parsley, chopped and stirred in at the end, can also provide a lovely fresh, herbaceous note. Dried oregano can also be added to the sauce during simmering, though fresh herbs are always preferred for brightness.
• Extra Kick: For those who truly love the heat, beyond increasing red pepper flakes, you could add a dash of a spicy Italian Calabrian chili oil at the end, or even a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.

Ready to dive into this incredible Penne Arrabiata with Crispy Chicken? Don’t forget, you can easily print this recipe HERE for your recipe binder so it’s always handy when hunger strikes!

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Looking for More Delicious & Easy Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed crafting this flavorful pasta dish, you might love exploring some of these other fantastic and easy dinner options that are perfect for any night of the week:

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