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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In the same skillet, gently caramelize onions and garlic until aromatic and translucent.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, prepare pasta in generously salted boiling water according to package recommendations. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
- Reintroduce seared chicken into the simmering tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- 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