Looking for a simple and scrumptious meal that’ll wow your family on busy evenings? Look no further than this chicken tomato pasta. With tender chicken and a flavor-packed tomato sauce, it’s a winner for everyone at the table.
If your crew adores chicken dishes and you’re craving something new, this pasta might just become a household staple. It’s juicy, quick to whip up, and bursting with flavor—a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike.
Next time you’re pondering what to do with those chicken breasts in the fridge, give this recipe a shot. It’s a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when time is tight but taste is paramount.
What makes this dish really special is how flexible it is. I like to throw in some mushrooms, but feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand for an extra nutritious boost. It’s a customizable delight that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this chicken tomato pasta
- Whip up this super easy weeknight dinner that’s both quick to make and healthy.
- Feel free to toss in any extra veggies you fancy.
- The sauce bursts with flavor, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a spicy kick to it too.
Chicken Tomato Pasta recipe video
Ingredients:
- 250g of your favorite pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and add your pasta. Cook it until it’s just right – not too soft, not too firm. Drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Warm up a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a touch more olive oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Let them cook until they’re soft and aromatic. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and cook it for a couple of minutes until it’s just tender.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Tomatoes
Bring the cooked chicken back into the pan. Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices to the pan. Sprinkle in some dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Mix in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the chicken and tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in the sauce. If it looks a bit dry, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Tear up some fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top as well.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Meal
Dish up your Chicken Tomato Pasta onto plates or into bowls, and dig in! It’s a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a family dinner gathering.
This Chicken Tomato Pasta is a comforting classic that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of juicy chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta!
Chicken Tomato Pasta nutrition information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Serving Size | 1 Serving |
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| – Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| – Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 24g |
Chicken Tomato Pasta health benefits:
- Lean Protein: The chicken in this dish provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Packed with vitamins and minerals from ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, this pasta offers a nutrient-rich meal.
- Heart-Healthy: Olive oil used in cooking contributes to heart health due to its monounsaturated fats.
- Customizable Nutrition: Adding extra vegetables boosts fiber content and provides additional vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Protein from Chicken: Chicken breasts provide lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It helps keep you full and satisfied for longer, supporting weight management and overall health.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: The tomatoes, garlic, onions, and bell peppers in the dish are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients support your immune system, promote healthy skin, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Fiber from Pasta and Veggies: Whole wheat pasta and any additional vegetables you add provide fiber, aiding digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting heart health.
Storage Instructions:
To store any leftovers of this scrumptious Chicken Tomato Pasta, simply follow these steps:
- Let the dish cool down until it reaches room temperature.
- Put the pasta in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag.
- Put it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions:
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat and refresh them:
- Take the container of pasta out of the refrigerator and remove the lid or open the bag slightly to allow steam to escape.
- For a single serving, transfer an appropriate amount of pasta onto a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
- Pop it in the microwave and set it on high for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is warm all the way through. Give it a stir halfway through for even heating.
- If the pasta seems a bit dry after reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water or olive oil over it before serving to restore moisture and flavor.
- Once reheated, serve and enjoy your delicious Chicken Tomato Pasta all over again!
Remember, you can always add a fresh sprinkle of basil leaves or a dash of Parmesan cheese to revive the flavors. Enjoy your meal.
Recipe notes and tips
- If you find yourself with leftovers, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy again, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick.
- Feel free to toss in some extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
- Want to take this chicken tomato pasta up a notch? Consider adding some crispy bacon for an extra punch of flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Substitute dairy with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
- To make it gluten-free: Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- To make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives (brands like Becel offer great options), and opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese! To make
- it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and enjoy a creamy tomato pasta on its own.
Missing an ingredient? Try these:
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a healthier option.
- Pasta: Use any pasta you prefer; even chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein.
- Tomato sauce: Look for a lower sugar and salt option, such as the Victoria brand from Costco.
- Spinach: Swap with curly green kale leaves for a hearty twist. Steamed broccoli makes a great addition for extra veggies if you like!