Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe: A Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful chicken tomato pasta sparks joy in every home cook’s heart.

Flavor combinations dance across your kitchen, creating mouthwatering magic with simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that satisfies without complicated techniques.

Mediterranean influences shine through this straightforward, comforting dish that comes together quickly.

Fresh tomatoes provide vibrant color and depth while tender chicken adds protein-packed goodness.

Aromatic herbs will elevate each forkful into a culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this classic recipe.

Flavor Twists on Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish for a protein-rich alternative that adds a delightful oceanic touch to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Use cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower instead of pasta to create a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that's equally satisfying and nutritious.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Comfort Plate Companion: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta flavors.
• Bread Basket Delight: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works perfectly for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the chicken and tomato sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top for a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Advice for Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing pasta with sauce for best texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti that holds sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or remove them to control spice level.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, and reduce cheese quantity to lower calories and increase nutritional value.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of the dish.

Chicken Tomato Pasta Details and Ingredients

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan chicken tomato pasta comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with classic Italian flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe satisfies both kids and adults with its familiar, delicious profile.
• Nutrition Packed: Combines lean protein from chicken, lycopene-rich tomatoes, and complex carbohydrates for a balanced, wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients in Chicken Tomato Pasta Dish

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide rich, tangy base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional herb flavor to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.

• Pasta: Serves as the main carbohydrate and carrier for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil Leaves: Provide finishing touch with sharp cheese flavor and fresh herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they release their fragrant aroma and become translucent.

Step 3: Build the Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta

Boil pasta in a pot of salted water following package instructions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Gently toss the pasta with the sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.

Enjoy your delicious meal immediately.

Tips for Chicken Tomato Pasta Success

• Add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein, perfect for vegetarians or those wanting more nutrients.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, making the dish mild or fiery based on preference.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier or dietary-specific options without compromising flavor.
• Chop fresh basil right before serving to maximize aromatic oils and enhance the dish's taste profile.
• Let sauce simmer longer for deeper, richer flavors that will make the dish more complex and delicious.

Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Savory chicken tomato pasta blends Italian culinary traditions with fresh ingredients. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in hot olive oil at medium heat until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, gently caramelize onions and garlic until aromatic and translucent.
3. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce for approximately 10 minutes, developing rich flavors and thickening consistency.
4. Meanwhile, prepare pasta in generously salted boiling water according to package recommendations. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
5. Reintroduce seared chicken into the simmering tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
7. Plate the pasta, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and delicate basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker and more even cooking, ensuring tender meat throughout the dish.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it al dente, which means slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – use less for mild flavor or more for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the pasta.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat pasta and use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce calories without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 401 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg