What the heck is this?
Looking for a pasta dish that’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor? Meet your new weeknight go-to: Chicken Tomato Pasta. This dish is made with juicy pieces of chicken, a rich and tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can satisfy your pasta cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a tasty solo dinner, this one’s sure to hit the spot. Add a sprinkle of parmesan, and you’ve got a simple yet satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for a busy evening.
- Comforting and hearty: Tender chicken and pasta in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce — what’s not to love?
- One-pot dish: Fewer dishes to clean up after dinner.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies or switch up the herbs to fit your taste.
- Great for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. If needed, add a little more pasta water to help everything come together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve the chicken tomato pasta in bowls, topping with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can take it up a notch with:
- A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for some freshness to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Switch It Up
- Go veggie: Add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers to make it more veggie-packed.
- Use different cheese: Swap parmesan for mozzarella, or add some ricotta for a creamy twist.
- Add some heat: If you love spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is easy to prepare ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in the tomato sauce and toss with the pasta. You can also freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and heat when you’re ready for a quick meal.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can! Use about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and chopped. You may need to cook them down a little longer to achieve a similar sauce consistency.
Q: Can I add cream to make it a creamy tomato sauce?
A: Absolutely! For a creamy version, just stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half when you add the pasta to the sauce.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no changes are needed there.
Chicken Tomato Pasta: A Simple, Flavorful Weeknight Winner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a pasta dish that’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor? Meet your new weeknight go-to: Chicken Tomato Pasta. This dish is made with juicy pieces of chicken, a rich and tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can satisfy your pasta cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a tasty solo dinner, this one’s sure to hit the spot. Add a sprinkle of parmesan, and you’ve got a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. If needed, add a little more pasta water to help everything come together.
Serve the chicken tomato pasta in bowls, topping with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Notes
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can take it up a notch with:
A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for some freshness to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400 calories Per Serving
- Protein: 30g Per Serving