This spicy chicken pasta is a bold, dairy-free recipe made with garlic chili sauce and herbs for an easy weeknight meal. Creamy without cream, it’s the perfect fusion of heat, flavor, and comfort in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Dairy Free Yet Creamy
- What You’ll Love
- What’s Garlic Chili Sauce?
- Ingredients with Steps
- Culinary Glossary
- Instructions with Photos
- Equipment
- Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Storage and Reheating
- 5 Cooking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pasta Recipes
- Chicken Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to My YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
Dairy Free Yet Creamy
If you're looking for a bold weeknight dinner that brings heat, comfort, and a creamy texture without any dairy, this spicy chicken pasta is for you. It’s rich with flavor, balanced with lime, and made in under 30 minutes using pantry staples like garlic chili sauce, full-fat coconut milk, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Despite its creamy consistency, this dish uses no heavy cream or cream cheese, making it perfect for those seeking a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still satisfies.
You’ll cook everything in a large skillet or Dutch oven, and just a splash of water and a pinch of salt help the pasta sauce cling to every bite of tender chicken and fettuccine. This isn’t just one of those easy dinner recipes; it’s a cultural fusion of Vietnamese chili heat and Italian herb comfort food that wakes up your taste buds with the right amount of spice.
Where Vietnam Meets Italy
This dish tells a story through its ingredients: chili sauce rooted in Vietnamese street food culture and Italian pasta tossed in a tomato-based sauce with bright herbs and bold aromatics. The base of the sauce uses full-fat coconut milk instead of traditional cream for a naturally creamy indulgence that won’t weigh you down.
Garlic, diced onion, lime juice, and Italian seasoning bring it all together, no heavy dairy needed.
Vietnamese garlic chili sauce, made from fresh red peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, offers extra flavor and depth without overwhelming heat. It’s now a beloved global pantry staple, often found in spicy vegan pasta dishes and fusion recipes like this one.
Looking for authentic Vietnamese recipes? Hungry Huy and Vicky Pham.
What You’ll Love
- Dairy-Free Creamy Sauce: Made with full-fat coconut milk for a rich texture without cream.
- Quick and Easy: Weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Global Fusion: Vietnamese heat meets Italian pasta comfort.
- Customizable Heat: Use chili flakes or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Uses Pantry Staples: No need for anything fancy—just whole ingredients with bold flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well in an airtight container for lunch the next day.
- Novice-Friendly: Simple steps, minimal prep, and no complex techniques.
- Option to Make Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.
What’s Garlic Chili Sauce?
Vietnamese garlic chili sauce is a bold, flavorful condiment that adds heat and depth to everything from noodles to stir-fries. Made from chopped fresh chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt, it delivers a spicy, tangy, and slightly salty punch that instantly wakes up your senses.
Rooted in traditional Vietnamese cooking and street food culture, this sauce has grown into a global pantry staple, celebrated for how it transforms simple dishes into flavor-packed meals. In this recipe, it’s the key to building that craveable heat and layered taste in every bite.
More Bold Pasta Flavors
- Creamy Cheesy Sage Chili Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
- Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta Homemade One-Pot-Meal
- Loaded Cheesy Ground Turkey Red Lentil Pasta
- Plant-Based: Italian Sausage with Spicy Creamy Lentil Pasta
- Loaded Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta
Ingredients with Steps
To prepare this spicy chicken pasta dish, boil the fettuccini pasta to al dente as per the package instructions and cool it down to room temperature. Chop the onion and garlic, juice a fresh lime, and set them aside.
Then, season the boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets with garlic chili sauce, avocado oil, and some of the lime juice, and cook them in the air fryer. Make the pasta sauce by sauteing the onion and garlic, then add the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic chili sauce, coconut milk, Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Finish the dish by adding the pasta to the reduced sauce with the grated Italian cheese blend, basil, and some lime juice, adjusting it to your taste preference.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe.
- Al Dente - A term used to describe pasta cooked until it's firm to the bite, not too soft or overcooked.
- Fettuccine - This is a type of long, flat, and ribbon-like pasta, often used in creamy or rich sauces.
- Garlic Chili Sauce - A spicy condiment made from garlic and chili peppers, used to add heat and depth of flavor to dishes.
- Avocado Oil - A cooking oil derived from the avocado fruit, known for its high smoke point and mild, buttery flavor.
- Crushed Fire-Roasted Tomatoes - These are tomatoes that have been charred over an open flame to develop a smoky flavor before being crushed for sauces. I find Trader Joe's brand to be very flavorful, with a good balance of low acidity.
- Coconut Milk - A creamy liquid made from the flesh of coconuts, often used in cooking to add richness and a subtle sweetness to sauces.
- Italian Herb Seasoning - A blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine, often including oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. This is an essential herb blend to have in your pantry that can be used in so many dishes for a herby profile.
- Grated Italian Cheese Blend - A mixture of Italian cheeses, typically including Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella, used to add richness and umami to a dish.
See the garlic chili sauce chicken pasta recipe card for quantities below.
Instructions with Photos
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below for this dairy-free spicy pasta using the step-by-step picture guide.
Yes! It is possible to cook pasta in less water than has traditionally been thought.
Cool down your pasta quickly by laying it out on a tray.
It's perfectly fine to cook pasta in a smaller amount of water because, as long as the pasta is fully submerged and stirred occasionally, it will cook evenly while the starches concentrate, enhancing the sauce's ability to cling to the noodles.
Thinly cutting the meat will allow the marinade to be absorbed quicker and cover more surfaces when cooking a quick meal.
Depending on the oven and air fryer, using the air fryer can cut cooking time for a quick meal.
The base of the sauce involves sweating the onion and garlic in oil to release their aromas.
Then, add the sauce's broth to rehydrate the dried herbs.
Yes, the coconut milk will look separated. This is ok!
Combine well with the pasta to allow the pasta to soak up the sauce and release starch into the sauce.
You are not done creating a creamy sauce until you have added the cheese and combined it with constant stirring for at least 30 seconds.
The sauce will have a rich, thick texture and flavor due to the concentrated ingredients.
Then, you can add the cooked chicken since it only needs to be warmed up and not cooked again.
Equipment
Pasta Pot
Using a pasta pot, which typically features a built-in strainer and ample space, facilitates even cooking and easy draining, ensuring perfectly cooked pasta every time. If you wish to reduce the amount of equipment used, consider using a Dutch oven to cook your pasta.
Sheet Tray
(Optional) Cooling down the pasta on a sheet tray allows it to cool evenly and quickly, preventing it from sticking together and maintaining its texture for later use in this recipe.
Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven's thick walls and tight-fitting lid allow for even, gentle cooking, making it ideal for creating creamy, evenly cooked pasta dishes without the risk of scorching. You can also use a large skillet with a lid and high sides to prevent the delicious sauce from evaporating too fast.
Air Fryer
The air fryer was used conveniently to cut cooking time. However, you can cook the chicken in the oven if you can't use an air fryer.
To bake thin chicken cutlets in the oven on a sheet pan, arrange them in a single layer, seasoned with the marinade, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: 07/29/23
My Review: For 125 years, Lodge Cast Iron has been a family-owned company located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Their cookware, known for its dependability, is made of rugged, seasoned cast iron for excellent heat retention and durability. This is still my go-to Dutch oven. You'll find it in a lot of my recent videos. It's heavy, durable, non-stick, and it holds heat well. Also, a big lesson: never preheat an enameled Dutch oven without oil. This will crack the enamel. I learned this the hard way.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review: This Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mat works exactly as it should—non-stick, easy to clean, and a perfect eco-friendly swap for parchment paper or foil. I toss it in the dishwasher after use, and it saves me from scrubbing sheet pans. If you own sheet pans, this is the companion you need. I first saw bakers using these in hotel kitchens, and now I can’t imagine cooking without one!
Date: 04/10/24
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking bigger portions, and cleanup is a breeze—just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless with no damage. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one!
Substitutions
Dairy-Free
- Grated Italian Cheese Blend - This cheese mixture usually comprises grated Parmesan Regiano, Pecorino Romano, or both.
- As dairy-free alternatives to a grated Italian cheese blend of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan Reggiano, you can use nutritional yeast or a blend of cashew and almond flour seasoned with garlic and salt. To learn more, visit How To Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese - Minimalist Baker.
Gluten-Free
- Fettuccini Pasta - Several brands, such as Barilla, make gluten-free fettuccini; learn more here. You can also use a different-shaped gluten-free pasta. This recipe will also work with medium rice stick noodles, aka Pad Thai noodles.
Vegetarian
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - Use extra firm tofu marinated in the same marinade in a resealable bag for at least 15 to 30 minutes before cooking it in the air fryer.
- Another option would be to use a meaty type of mushroom for texture, such as portobello, king trumpet (a large version of oyster), or oyster mushrooms. A mixture of mushrooms would also be excellent.
Convenience
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - Use store-bought chicken cutlets that have either been cut thin or pounded out thin, saving you prep time. Or, if you already have boneless, skinless chicken thighs, use them instead.
- Crushed Fire-Roasted Tomatoes - Use pasta sauce. Just be aware that using the fire-roasted tomatoes gives the dish a more straightforward flavor since pasta sauce has other ingredients that may make this dish sweeter, saltier, or with a different texture.
- Fettucini Pasta - Substitute this pasta in linguini, spaghetti, rigatoni, paperdelle or penne pasta.
Change Heat Level - Modify the heat level of this dairy-free spicy pasta recipe to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- Add Vegetables - Want to serve this dish with some veggies? Use red bell pepper, snow peas, broccoli florets, spinach, mushrooms, and/or bok choy.
- Robust Creamy Sauce - For a creamy pasta dish, try using heavy cream with low-sodium chicken broth; after sweating, add the onion and garlic and splash with white wine for a ton of flavor and depth.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Because this is a dairy-free dish made with full-fat coconut milk, the sauce will thicken in the fridge but maintain its creamy texture when reheated properly.
How to Reheat
To reheat, scoop the leftover pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or vegetable stock to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again. For best results, avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to overcook the pasta and dry out the sauce.
Freezing Tips (Optional)
You can freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container for up to a month. While the texture of leftover pasta may change after freezing, the flavor still holds up when reheated in a pan.
5 Cooking Tips
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook this dairy-free spicy pasta more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab.
- Balance the Flavors Like a Chef - Taste the creamy sauce as it simmers and adjust with a pinch of salt, more lime juice, or a touch of chili flakes until you strike the right balance between spicy, tangy, and sweet. This is where your love for bold flavor leads the way.
- Cook Pasta Just Shy of the Package Directions - Boil your fettuccini or gluten-free pasta in a large pot of salted water, but pull it one minute before al dente. That way, it finishes in the sauce and soaks up all that creamy indulgence without turning mushy.
- Use Pasta Water for a Silky Sauce - Save a splash of pasta water before draining—it helps loosen the sauce without thinning out the flavor. A little goes a long way in creating that creamy consistency.
- Slice the Chicken for Even Cooking - Cut each chicken breast into thin cutlets to ensure they cook quickly and evenly, whether you're using an air fryer or a large skillet. This keeps your protein juicy, not overdone.
- Let It Rest Before Serving - Once you've tossed everything together, let the pasta sit for a minute or two off the heat. This lets the sauce settle and cling better, giving you a restaurant-quality creamy texture at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. You can swap the chicken breasts for vegan sausage, chicken sausage, or even extra veggies like red bell pepper or green onions for a meatless option. The garlic chili sauce base is versatile enough to shine on its own.
If you're not a fan of coconut milk, try cashew cream or almond milk thickened with nutritional yeast and a bit of olive oil. These swaps keep it dairy-free while maintaining that creamy sauce texture.
It has the right amount of spice for most spice lovers, but you can always adjust. Start with one tablespoon of garlic chili sauce and add red pepper flakes or chili flakes to taste if you like it hotter.
Yes! You can easily make this a gluten-free option by using gluten-free pasta like rice-based fettuccine or red lentil pasta. Just follow the package directions carefully, as cook times vary.
Store any extras in an airtight container and reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water or vegetable stock to revive the creamy consistency. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Pasta Recipes
Looking for other pasta recipes like dairy-free spicy pasta? Try these:
- 25+ Pasta Dishes You’ll Want to Twirl, Slurp, and Scoop on Repeat
- One-Pan Calabrian Chickpea Pasta Recipe | Fast & Flavorful
- One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
- Bold and Spicy Caribbean Beef Noodle Soup Recipe Twist
Chicken Recipes
Looking for other chicken recipes like dairy-free spicy pasta? Try these:
- Finger-Licking Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Crave All Year
- Jerk Fajita Trio: 3 Must-Try Recipes for a Spicy Weeknight Cook-Up
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Easy Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken Fajitas | Oven-Roasted Yum
📖 Recipe
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccini pasta
Garlic Chili Chicken Seasoning
- 12 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 medium lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic chili sauce
Garlic Chili Pasta
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 small onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons garlic chili sauce
- 1 15-ounce can of coconut milk, shaken
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup grated Italian cheese blend
- 8 basil leaves
- chopped basil for garnish, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read through the steps first and prep your ingredients—trust me, it’ll make everything easier! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente in salted water, as the package recommends, but one minute shorter. Then, drain the pasta and toss it in half of a tablespoon of avocado oil. Spread the cooked pasta on a lined sheet pan to cool slightly. This helps prevent overcooking and sticking. While the pasta cooks, prep the ingredients.
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and chop the onion and garlic, and set them aside. Then, juice one lime and set it aside.
- Preheat Settings: For the air fryer, Preheat it to 390 °F with a cooking time of 12 minutes. For the oven, preheat it to 400 °F. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into 4 thin pieces for faster, even cooking. Then, combine the chicken with garlic chili sauce, avocado oil, and half of the lime juice (reserving the rest for the pasta).
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the seasoned chicken cutlets, and when done, set them aside while keeping them warm. While the chicken cooks, make the pasta.
- Make the Pasta: Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven on medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cover, and cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant, this is called sweating. Then add crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic chili sauce, coconut milk, Italian herbs seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Increase the heat to medium-high to bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 8 minutes. While the sauce is reducing, thinly slice the basil and chicken on a cutting board and set them aside.
- Finish the Pasta: Add the pasta with two tablespoons of water, combine well, and cover for 2 minutes, allowing it to soak up the sauce. Then, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated cheese, basil, and some of the lime juice.
- Taste the pasta and adjust to your preference with more lime juice and/or salt. The lime will brighten the pasta dish, and the sauce should be slightly sweet with some nuttiness and a balance of chili pepper heat.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped basil (optional).
Video
Notes
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake chicken cutlets on a lined sheet pan for 15–18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Nutrition
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