Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

There's something truly comforting about a bowl of Chicken Tomato Pasta on a busy weeknight. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a tangy tomato-based sauce makes this dish a family favorite that you'll come back to again and again.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed to whip up something quick but satisfying after a long day. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little creativity, it’s now a go-to dinner that everyone loves.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. Chicken Tomato Pasta has all the elements of a perfect weeknight meal, and here’s why:

• Quick and Easy: You can have this dish on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when time is tight but you still want something homemade.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of juicy chicken, rich tomatoes, and fragrant garlic creates a sauce that’s bursting with bold, delicious flavors.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable, everyday ingredients means you can make this meal without breaking the bank.
• Customizable: This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap out the chicken for shrimp, add a handful of spinach, or even make it vegetarian.

It’s not just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy nights that feels special every time. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to get started.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken Tomato Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to bring a specific flavor or texture to the dish, and together, they create a meal that feels more than the sum of its parts.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well here. Thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, while breasts are leaner.
• Pasta: I recommend penne or spaghetti, but any pasta shape you love will do.
• Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe, lending an aromatic depth that elevates the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Just a splash of cream gives the sauce a luscious, velvety finish. You can substitute with half-and-half if you want to lighten it up.
• Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor to the base of your sauce.

Special Equipment

A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need. If you have a microplane or garlic press, they’ll make mincing the garlic even easier.

How to Make This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Making this dish is straightforward and satisfying. Let me walk you through the steps:

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Chicken
   While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Slice the Chicken
   While the sauce simmers, slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Finish with Cream and Serve
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Storage Options

This Chicken Tomato Pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Reheat: Add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
• Spicy: Amp up the heat with more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan just before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Seafood Swap: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation that’s just as delicious.
• Whole Grain: Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile.

Experiment with your favorite ingredients to create a version of Chicken Tomato Pasta that suits your taste perfectly.

This Chicken Tomato Pasta is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy!

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