15 Fiery Pasta Dishes That Pack Serious Heat
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of pasta when you’re craving comfort food with a kick. These spicy pasta recipes turn up the heat with bold flavors and satisfying ingredients.
From creamy sauces to zesty tomato bases, each dish delivers the perfect balance of spice and flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.
01. Instant Pot Spicy Mac Salad
This kicked-up macaroni salad combines pepper Jack cheese with fresh jalapeños and sriracha. The Instant Pot simplifies everything by cooking pasta and eggs simultaneously.
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 4 large eggs, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 cup pepper Jack cheese (shredded), 2 fresh jalapeños (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 3 green onions (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Instant Pot Spicy Mac Salad
1. Add 6 cups water to your Instant Pot insert, then place eggs on the trivet. Pour macaroni over the eggs and water, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with quick release.
2. Remove eggs immediately and place in ice water to stop cooking. Drain pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water until completely cooled. Peel eggs once cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth. Add cooled pasta, chopped eggs, pepper Jack cheese, diced jalapeños, bell pepper, and green onions.
4. Toss everything together until well coated with the spicy dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld together perfectly.
02. One-Pan Orecchiette with Sausage
This simple pasta dish features spicy Italian sausage and orecchiette cooked together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients: 1 pound orecchiette pasta, 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons olive oil, red pepper flakes to taste.
How To Make One-Pan Orecchiette with Sausage
1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then add orecchiette pasta. Stir frequently and cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with red pepper flakes and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
03. Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Turkey Pasta
Pumpkin creates an unexpectedly creamy base for this unique pasta sauce. Chipotle peppers and warm spices transform it into a complex, satisfying dish.
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound ground turkey, 1 can pumpkin puree, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced), 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Turkey Pasta
1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, cook ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
2. Add diced onion to the turkey and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add pumpkin puree and minced chipotle peppers, stirring well to combine. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The pumpkin provides natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the smoky heat from the chipotle peppers.
04. Fiery Garlic Pasta
Simple ingredients create maximum impact in this classic spicy pasta dish. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect when you need quick comfort food with serious heat.
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti, 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and black pepper to taste.
How To Make Fiery Garlic Pasta
1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining the pasta completely.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking slowly for 2-3 minutes until garlic turns golden but not brown.
3. Add drained hot pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes, adding pasta water gradually until sauce coats each strand beautifully.
4. Remove from heat and add half the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Toss again until cheese melts slightly. Serve immediately topped with remaining Parmesan and extra red pepper flakes for those who want more heat.
05. Penne with Spicy Vodka Cream Sauce
This restaurant-quality sauce combines vodka with cream and red pepper for incredible depth. The alcohol cooks out completely, leaving behind pure flavor enhancement.
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, 1/2 cup vodka, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 onion (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), olive oil for cooking.
How To Make Penne with Spicy Vodka Cream Sauce
1. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Remove sausage from casings and brown in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion to the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in vodka carefully and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream until well combined. Add drained pasta to the sauce along with Parmesan cheese.
5. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until pasta is well coated and cheese is melted. The vodka adds an incredible depth that makes this sauce truly special.
06. Spicy Eggplant Pasta with Pancetta
Even eggplant skeptics will love this savory combination of tender eggplant, crispy pancetta, and spicy tomato sauce. Cherry tomatoes add fresh brightness to every bite.
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta, 1 large eggplant (cubed), 4 oz pancetta (diced), 1 jar marinara sauce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup olive oil, fresh basil for garnish.
How To Make Spicy Eggplant Pasta with Pancetta
1. Cut eggplant into 1-inch cubes and salt generously. Let sit for 30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels. This removes bitterness and helps the eggplant brown beautifully.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed eggplant and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender throughout.
3. Add diced pancetta to the pan and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. The rendered fat adds incredible flavor to the eggplant.
4. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce and cherry tomatoes, simmering for 10 minutes until tomatoes start to break down.
5. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni until al dente. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss well. The tube shape of rigatoni perfectly captures all the chunky sauce ingredients.
07. Spicy Clam Linguine
This quick seafood pasta showcases briny clams in a light, spicy olive oil sauce. Red pepper flakes and oregano create bold Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine, 2 cans chopped clams with juice, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 6 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), Parmesan cheese for serving.
How To Make Spicy Clam Linguine
1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, drain clams and reserve the precious clam juice separately.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Pour in white wine and reserved clam juice, bringing to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, concentrating those incredible ocean flavors into the sauce base.
4. Add drained clams and oregano to the pan, cooking just until clams are heated through, about 2 minutes. Overcooking makes clams tough and rubbery.
5. Add hot linguine to the skillet with fresh parsley, tossing vigorously and adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats every strand perfectly.
08. Spicy Sausage Ragu
Patience pays off with this rich, slow-simmered pasta sauce. Spicy sausage, wine, and cream create an irresistible ragu that’s worth the wait.
Ingredients: 1 pound pappardelle pasta, 1.5 pounds spicy Italian sausage, 1 cup white wine, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 large onion (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, fresh herbs for garnish, olive oil for cooking.
How To Make Spicy Sausage Ragu
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into chunky pieces. Don’t make the pieces too small – you want substantial bites of sausage.
2. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let wine reduce by half, then add crushed tomatoes with their juices.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and rich.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes. Meanwhile, cook pappardelle until al dente. The wide ribbons are perfect for catching this hearty sauce.
6. Toss hot pasta with the ragu, adding pasta water if needed. The low, slow cooking develops incredible depth of flavor that’s absolutely worth the time investment.
09. Brooklyn-Style Penne Arrabiata
This classic Italian angry sauce lives up to its fiery reputation. Simple ingredients create bold, lip-tingling flavors that pasta lovers crave.
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand), 6 cloves garlic (sliced thin), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt to taste.
How To Make Brooklyn-Style Penne Arrabiata
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking slowly for 2-3 minutes until garlic turns golden and oil becomes fragrant.
2. Crush San Marzano tomatoes by hand directly into the skillet – this creates the perfect chunky texture. The seeds and juice add incredible flavor, so don’t strain them out.
3. Season with salt and let sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the raw tomato taste mellows into sweet richness.
4. Meanwhile, cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. The tube shape holds the spicy sauce perfectly in every bite.
5. Add drained pasta to the sauce with fresh herbs, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes. The starch from the pasta helps bind everything together into silky perfection.
10. Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Scampi
Classic shrimp scampi gets a spicy upgrade with green chilies and red pepper flakes. This weeknight-friendly dish delivers restaurant results at home.
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine, 1.5 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can diced green chilies, 6 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup white wine, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 4 tablespoons butter, fresh parsley for garnish.
How To Make Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Scampi
1. Pat shrimp completely dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half.
4. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and green chilies, simmering for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Meanwhile, cook linguine until al dente. Return shrimp to the sauce along with drained pasta and butter, tossing everything together until butter melts and coats each strand.
11. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken and pasta into something spectacular. Bell peppers and mushrooms add color and texture to this creamy delight.
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine, 2 large chicken breasts (sliced), 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, green onions for garnish.
How To Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Slice chicken breasts into strips and toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Add seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Add butter to the same skillet, then add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Let sauce reduce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Meanwhile, cook linguine until al dente. Return chicken to the sauce along with drained pasta, tossing everything together until well combined.
6. The Cajun spices create layers of heat and flavor that make this pasta incredibly satisfying. Garnish with sliced green onions for fresh color and mild onion bite.
12. Spicy Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Pasta
Roasted tomatoes develop incredible sweetness that balances perfectly with spicy sausage and creamy ricotta. This sauce works beautifully with shaped pasta like cavatappi.
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatappi pasta, 2 pounds Roma tomatoes (halved), 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup olive oil, fresh basil leaves, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Spicy Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Pasta
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until edges are caramelized.
2. Meanwhile, remove sausage from casings and brown in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add roasted tomatoes to the pan, gently breaking them up with a spoon.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting flavors meld together. Meanwhile, cook cavatappi until al dente – the corkscrew shape captures sauce perfectly in its spirals.
5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until creamy and well combined. Add drained pasta and toss gently.
6. The roasted tomatoes add incredible depth while ricotta provides cooling creaminess against the spicy sausage. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for aromatic finish.
13. Teena’s Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Store-bought pesto gets an exciting makeover with cilantro and chile paste. This fusion dish combines Italian and Asian flavors for something completely unique.
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 2 large chicken breasts (sliced), 1/2 cup basil pesto, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 tablespoons chile paste, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted), Parmesan cheese for serving.
How To Make Teena’s Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta
1. Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
2. Remove chicken to a plate and add remaining olive oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, chopped cilantro, and chile paste until well combined. This creates an incredible fusion sauce with layers of flavor.
4. Meanwhile, cook penne until al dente. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the spicy pesto mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Return chicken to the pan and toss everything together for 2 minutes until heated through. The combination of Italian pesto with Asian chile paste creates something wonderfully unexpected.
6. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The nuts add great texture contrast to the creamy, spicy sauce.
14. Spicy Crab Pasta
Just six ingredients create this impressive pasta dish that’s perfect for date night. Canned crabmeat makes it surprisingly affordable and quick to prepare.
Ingredients: 1 pound angel hair pasta, 2 cans lump crabmeat (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Spicy Crab Pasta
1. Gently pick through crabmeat to remove any shell pieces, being careful not to break up the lumps too much. The bigger chunks make this dish feel more luxurious.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.
4. Meanwhile, cook angel hair pasta until al dente – the thin strands work perfectly with the delicate crabmeat and won’t overpower the seafood.
5. Gently fold crabmeat into the tomato sauce and cook just until heated through, about 2 minutes. Overcooking makes crab tough and rubbery.
6. Add drained pasta to the sauce with fresh parsley, tossing very gently to avoid breaking up the precious crab lumps. This simple dish tastes incredibly elegant.
15. Habanero Cream Pasta
One dried habanero pepper infuses this rich cream sauce with serious heat. Add cooked shrimp or chicken to make it a complete meal.
Ingredients: 1 pound fettuccine, 1 dried habanero pepper, 2 cups heavy cream, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup white wine, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons butter, 1 pound cooked shrimp or chicken (optional), fresh chives for garnish.
How To Make Habanero Cream Pasta
1. Wear gloves when handling the habanero pepper. Remove stem and seeds, then mince the pepper very finely. A little goes a long way with habaneros.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and habanero, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to inhale the fumes.
3. Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half, then slowly add heavy cream while stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Let cream sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The habanero will infuse incredible heat throughout.
5. Meanwhile, cook fettuccine until al dente. Add drained pasta to the sauce along with Parmesan cheese, tossing until cheese melts and pasta is well coated.
6. If using shrimp or chicken, add it now and toss gently until heated through. The rich cream helps tame the habanero’s intense heat while still delivering serious spice.
Final Thoughts
These fiery pasta recipes prove that adding heat doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Each dish balances spice with rich, satisfying ingredients that create truly memorable meals.
Whether you prefer gentle warmth or tongue-tingling heat, there’s a spicy pasta here that’ll become your new favorite comfort food go-to recipe.
