Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delightful chicken tomato pasta sparks pure culinary joy for home cooks seeking comfort and flavor.

pasta enthusiasts will adore this simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant tomato sauce.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein and tangy sauce, inviting you to savor every bite.

Home kitchens come alive with the aroma of simmering herbs and fresh ingredients.

Weeknight dinners transform into memorable experiences with this straightforward yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right away.

Creative Twists For Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Spicy Chicken Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
• Creamy Chicken Version: Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce texture.
• Vegetable Enhanced: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Best Pairings With Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Fresh Garden Picnic Delight: Pack this pasta in mason jars for a colorful outdoor lunch. Layer pasta and sauce carefully, top with extra Parmesan. Perfect for park gatherings or summer events.
• Meal Prep Magic: Divide pasta into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. The sauce keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently and enjoy a stress-free meal at work or school.
• Family Style Comfort Plate: Serve family-style in a large ceramic dish. Sprinkle extra fresh basil and create a rustic, inviting centerpiece. Encourage everyone to help themselves and bond over delicious food.
• Gourmet Italian Twist: Elevate the dish by adding crispy pancetta or roasted pine nuts on top. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving. Creates a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Keeping Chicken Tomato Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover chicken tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in microwave using medium power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or extra olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for better texture restoration.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or shrimp for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase heat if desired.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more flavor complexity.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions to replicate the flavor profile.

Reasons To Love Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This beef stew transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, deep flavors perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Simplify your kitchen routine by preparing everything in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and making dinner preparation stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables or adding your favorite herbs, making it a flexible meal that suits different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Nourish Your Family: Packed with protein-rich beef, colorful vegetables, and hearty ingredients, this stew delivers a nutritious meal that supports wellness and satisfies hunger completely.

What Goes Into Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Chicken: A lean and tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this comforting meal.

• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and bright ingredients that create a rich, tangy sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory undertones to the sauce.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, aged cheese that adds a creamy and sharp note to the pasta.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that brings a fresh and bright finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps cook the chicken and adds a smooth texture to the sauce.

How To Make Chicken Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Get a large pot of water boiling. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.

Drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture – tender but still with a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its delicious destiny.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Grab a large skillet and pour in some olive oil. Heat it up over medium flame.

Toss in the diced chicken pieces and let them dance in the pan until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Make sure each piece gets that lovely caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté them until they release their mouthwatering fragrance and become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Create the Vibrant Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle together for about 10 minutes.

Watch as the sauce develops a rich, deep flavor.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the delectable sauce.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Helpful Hints For Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Opt for high-quality, ripe tomatoes to enhance the sauce's rich flavor and natural sweetness.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silkier, more cohesive sauce if needed.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth and subtle heat in the dish.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to personalize the recipe's aromatic profile.

Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken tomato pasta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal packed with rich flavors. Home cooks can enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs in one delightful plate.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups (480 ml) penne pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden exterior.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, allowing them to release their aromatic essence and soften.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and reduce for approximately 10 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
5. Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated with the vibrant tomato and chicken mixture.
6. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and delicate torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Enhance pasta texture by cooking just until al dente, ensuring a firm bite and preventing mushiness.
• Prevent chicken from becoming dry by using medium heat and avoiding overcooking, which maintains juiciness and flavor.
• Create deeper flavor layers by allowing tomato sauce to simmer, helping ingredients meld and develop rich, complex tastes.
• Accommodate dietary needs by substituting gluten-free pasta or using plant-based protein alternatives for a versatile meal option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg