The Zesty Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe Everyone Loves

Whipping up a delightful chicken tomato pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Juicy tomatoes and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious and satisfying.

Mediterranean ingredients shine through in this simple yet elegant dish.

Vibrant colors and aromatic herbs promise a memorable dining experience.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in transforming basic components into something extraordinary.

Let’s uncover how a few smart techniques can turn this classic combination into a meal you’ll absolutely adore.

Chicken Tomato Pasta Flavor Notes

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor.
• Master One-Pot Magic: This recipe uses a single skillet, reducing cleanup and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the dish by adjusting spice levels, adding vegetables, or swapping protein to suit personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: A crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a delicious and nutritious meal everyone will love.

Ingredients for Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: A core component that provides the base for this delicious chicken tomato dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substantial flavor and texture to the recipe.
• Tomatoes: Fresh ingredients that create a rich and tangy sauce base.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that provide depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Dried Basil, Oregano, Chili Flakes: Herbs and spices that contribute complex and vibrant taste profiles.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop rich flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that intensifies the sauce's color and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper

Sear until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Remove chicken from the pan and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent and garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Red chili flakes

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream.

Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the sauce.

Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal.

Tips for Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Ensure pasta reaches al dente texture by testing a piece before draining for perfect bite and texture.
• Select high-quality chicken breasts and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, preventing sauce from becoming too dry or watery.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk alternatives for lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
• Toast dried herbs briefly in skillet before adding tomatoes to enhance their aromatic flavors and intensify overall taste profile.

Variations on Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein chunks, sautéed until golden brown for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, swap chili flakes for harissa paste, and include crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free option.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Comforting Family Dinner: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty pasta directly from the skillet, allowing everyone to scoop their favorite portions with warm garlic bread on the side.
• Gourmet Lunch Plate: Create an elegant presentation by plating the pasta on white dishes, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sophisticated midday meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers for quick workday lunches, ensuring the pasta stays creamy by adding a splash of reserved pasta water when reheating to maintain its delicious texture.
• Rustic Picnic Delight: Transfer the pasta to a large portable container for outdoor dining, pairing it with a crisp white wine and fresh salad for a delightful al fresco experience that celebrates summer flavors.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili flakes are optional, so you can easily control the heat level. Add a pinch for a mild kick or skip them entirely for a non-spicy version.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just cook it al dente.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Each option will slightly change the texture and richness.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut into a piece to check there’s no pink in the center.

Delicious Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible chicken tomato pasta blends Italian culinary tradition with simple home cooking techniques. Fresh ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you can enjoy with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) penne pasta
• 400 grams (14 ounces) canned diced tomatoes

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at a rolling boil for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Sear chicken pieces in a heated skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook until exterior turns golden and interior reaches 165°F, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium and sauté onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for 30-45 seconds to release aromatic oils.
4. Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating tomato paste and dried herbs. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce for 5-6 minutes, concentrating flavors and thickening slightly.
5. Gently incorporate heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to ensure even coating and warming through.
6. Introduce cooked pasta directly into the sauce, gradually adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency and help sauce adhere to noodles.
7. Finish the dish by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnishing with chopped parsley for brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by setting a timer and checking texture to avoid overcooking, which can make the dish mushy.
• Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and golden exterior, preventing raw spots or uneven browning.
• Select ripe, fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes for maximum flavor depth and authentic sauce richness.
• Adjust cream and pasta water quantities based on desired sauce thickness, creating a personalized creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg