This chicken tomato pasta recipe is a savory delight that’s easy to whip up. With tender chicken and a rich tomato sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy!
Table of Contents
Delicious Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tomato Pasta
This recipe stands out for its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comforting dish. Plus, it’s healthy, packed with nutrients, and can be ready in just 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Tomato Pasta
Gather the following ingredients for your chicken tomato pasta:
- 250 g pasta (penne or short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
- 12 oz (350 g) chicken breast, cubed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ½ lb (225 g) closed cup mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach
- ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Tomato Pasta
Cooking the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, generously salting it. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Sautéing the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown, creating a delicious base for your dish. Then, add the sliced onion and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant.
Creating the Rich Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the chopped garlic, red chili flakes, dried basil, and oregano. Sauté for 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aromatic flavors. Then, add the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Combining Pasta and Sauce for the Perfect Dish
Now it’s time to add the baby spinach, simmering for just another minute until it wilts. Transfer the drained pasta into the pan, tossing everything together until well combined. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, giving it a creamy finish. Season to taste, and your dish is ready to serve!
Tips and Variations for Chicken Tomato Pasta
Customizing Your Chicken Tomato Pasta
This recipe is versatile! You can easily swap boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use kale instead of spinach. For a healthier option, consider whole wheat pasta. If you like it spicy, adjust the red chili flakes to your preference. Adding extra vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers can also enhance the dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, and enjoy the delightful flavors once again! This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it a wonderful choice for busy weeks.
FAQs
What kind of pasta is used?
You can use penne or any short pasta for this dish, depending on your preference.
How do you prepare the chicken?
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to crush them before adding to the sauce.
Related Recipes to try
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Pasta
- Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Bbq Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Conclusion
This chicken tomato pasta is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare. For more inspiration, check out some amazing recipes on Pinterest. It’s time to bring this flavorful dish to your table and enjoy every bite!
Chicken Tomato Pasta: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large, deep pan
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta penne or short pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 oz chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion finely sliced
- 1/2 lb closed cup mushrooms sliced
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes 14 oz / 400 g each
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add seasoned chicken cubes and cook until golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add onion and mushrooms, cooking until softened and reduced, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, red chili flakes, basil, and oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach and simmer for 1 minute until wilted.
- Transfer cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan, season to taste, and serve immediately.
