Savory Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe: A Comforting Family Hit

Crafting a delightful chicken tomato pasta recipe sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Layers of robust flavors dance across simple ingredients waiting to become something magical.

Fresh tomatoes bring vibrant color and intense depth to this classic comfort dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick yet satisfying meals that please everyone around the table.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully combined component, creating something truly special.

Quick cooking techniques ensure you can whip up this delectable meal in under thirty minutes.

Gather your ingredients and let’s make cooking feel like an exciting culinary adventure.

Chicken Tomato Pasta That Impresses

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan magic transforms chicken, pasta, and tomato sauce into a delicious meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for picky eaters.
• Quick Comfort Food Champion: Combines protein-packed chicken with rich, creamy tomato sauce for a satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner made at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something hearty and delicious without complicated preparation.

Ingredients For Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this hearty dish.

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that provides a smooth cooking base and rich flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep, savory flavor profile for the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Fresh and concentrated tomato components that build a robust and tangy sauce base.

• Paprika, Oregano, Basil: Dried herbs and spices that add warmth and Mediterranean-inspired complexity to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that brings richness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Classic garnishes that add a sharp, salty note and fresh herbal brightness.

How To Cook Chicken Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta ready for its flavorful transformation.

Step 2: Golden Brown Chicken Magic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Aromatic Onion and Garlic Dance

In the same skillet, sauté onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and let it release its fragrant notes for about a minute.

Step 4: Create Vibrant Tomato Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Basil

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Creamy Sauce Transformation

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the taste profile.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the golden chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to warm through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated with the creamy tomato goodness.

Step 8: Serve with Elegant Finish

Plate the pasta hot, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Tips For Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and quicker cooking time.
• Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes or high-quality canned diced tomatoes for rich sauce depth.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with white wine after cooking chicken to enhance sauce complexity.

Flavorful Twists On Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Substitute basil with fresh thyme and add roasted red peppers for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat and add a spicy dimension to the classic recipe.

Pairings For Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty pasta in large, warm bowls with crusty garlic bread on the side for soaking up extra sauce, creating a comforting meal everyone will love.
• Picnic Perfect Pasta Salad: Chill the pasta and mix with extra fresh herbs, then pack in a portable container for a delicious outdoor lunch that's packed with flavor and protein.
• Elegant Date Night Presentation: Plate the pasta on white dishes, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, and pair with a crisp white wine to elevate the dining experience for a romantic meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week, maintaining its delicious taste and ensuring a quick, satisfying meal.

Proper Storage For Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover chicken tomato pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta separate from the sauce to prevent sogginess if possible.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated pasta by placing in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of water or extra cream to restore moisture, and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the defrost setting on your microwave for best results.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat according to your preference.

• Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Sure, ground beef, turkey, or shrimp work great as alternative protein options for this pasta dish.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Delicious Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Rustic chicken tomato pasta brings Italian countryside charm to home kitchens. Mediterranean flavors combine simply, inviting passionate cooks to savor complex yet uncomplicated culinary delights you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) boneless chicken breast, diced
• 400 grams (14 ounces) canned diced tomatoes

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes, ensuring even cooking.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping the skillet’s flavorful remnants.
4. Reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, about 3 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds.
5. Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet, blending with tomato paste and aromatic herbs. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a rich sauce for approximately 10-12 minutes.
6. Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream, creating a velvety texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the sauce, allowing it to warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors for 4-5 minutes.
8. Gently fold the prepared pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated with the robust tomato cream mixture.
9. Plate the pasta, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente for the perfect texture, avoiding mushy noodles by checking package instructions and tasting during cooking.
• Dry chicken thoroughly before searing to achieve a golden-brown crust, preventing steaming and ensuring maximum flavor development.
• Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish’s taste complexity.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 328 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg