Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Chicken Tomato Pasta filling your kitchen after a long day. This dish is a perfect balance of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe when I was short on ingredients but craving something hearty and flavorful. With pantry staples and just a few fresh additions, it quickly became a family favorite that’s requested time and time again. Let’s dive into why this Chicken Tomato Pasta deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Get ready to embrace your new go-to dinner recipe. Chicken Tomato Pasta is a dish that brings convenience, flavor, and versatility to your table.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this up on even the busiest of nights. It’s perfect for those moments when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using ingredients like canned tomatoes, dried pasta, and chicken makes it an affordable choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Feeding a family of four for under $15? Yes, please!

What’s more, it’s endlessly versatile. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or looking to customize the dish with extra veggies or herbs, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. From kids to adults, everyone loves the combination of tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s look at what you’ll need to make this recipe shine.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chicken Tomato Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create a dish that’s rich, hearty, and satisfying.

Chicken is the star of this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully here. They cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for a weeknight meal.

Tomatoes bring the sauce to life. I recommend using canned crushed tomatoes for a smooth, consistent base. If you prefer a chunkier texture, diced tomatoes are a great alternative. For added depth, a spoonful of tomato paste can enhance the richness of the sauce.

Pasta serves as the foundation of the dish. Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli all work well. These shapes hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Garlic and onions are essential aromatics that provide a flavorful base for the sauce. Minced garlic and diced onions sautéed in olive oil release a delightful aroma and enhance the overall taste.

Herbs and seasonings such as dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes bring the dish to life. Fresh basil leaves added at the end give a burst of freshness that ties everything together.

To make the process even smoother, you’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan to prepare the sauce and a stockpot for cooking the pasta. Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process.

How To Make This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Creating this flavorful Chicken Tomato Pasta is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to bring this delicious meal to life.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as this will help thicken the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper, to the hot pan. Sear them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, a teaspoon of tomato paste, and a mix of dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If it thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in the rich tomato sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor.

This entire process takes just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal recipe for busy nights. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of savory chicken and tangy tomato pasta.

Storage Options

Chicken Tomato Pasta stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for the best results.

Avoid storing it with Parmesan cheese, as it can alter the texture when reheated. Add fresh cheese after warming the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Tomato Pasta is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own.

For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty alternative.

If you’re looking for a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving.

Prefer a spicier kick? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.

Don’t have fresh basil? No problem! Dried basil works in a pinch, or try parsley for a different herbal note.

This recipe is all about flexibility and flavor, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect variation. Enjoy the journey of making this dish uniquely yours!

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