Simple & Savory Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack flavor into every bite.

This chicken tomato pasta recipe brings zesty Mediterranean charm to your table with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a vibrant, comforting dish that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Juicy chicken mingles perfectly with ripe tomatoes, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to al dente pasta.

Each forkful promises a burst of robust flavors that feel both familiar and exciting.

The simple yet elegant combination transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll find this recipe becomes a go-to meal that impresses without complicated techniques or endless preparation.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before cooking and pat it dry to ensure even browning and prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have cherry tomatoes?

Regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine. Just chop them into smaller pieces to maintain a similar texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, the recipe is mild. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking.

• Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist. Best consumed within 2-3 days.

Why You’ll Crave Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this chicken tomato pasta a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meal planning.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions like adding vegetables, changing protein, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Crowd-pleasing combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and comforting pasta ensures everyone from kids to adults will enjoy this delicious meal together.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamlined cooking process using a single pan means less cleanup and more time to relax after enjoying a satisfying dinner.

What Goes in Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that carries the sauce and chicken in this hearty dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed ingredient that provides a delicious and filling component.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and sweet tomatoes that add bright flavor and texture to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Rich and smooth sauce that creates the foundation for the pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep and flavorful base for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

• Fresh Basil, Parmesan Cheese: Finishing touches that provide additional freshness and rich, savory notes.

• Olive Oil: Versatile oil used for sautéing chicken, onions, and garlic with a smooth, rich flavor.

Steps for Saucy Chicken Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pasta shape and cook it in a pot of salted water following the package guidelines.

Once tender, drain the pasta and let it rest to the side.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook until the chicken develops a golden, crispy exterior.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 4: Create Vibrant Tomato Sauce

• Cherry tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning

Simmer and stir occasionally, letting the sauce develop rich flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet.

Let everything mingle and warm together for 3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta immediately while hot.

Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Tomato Pasta Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without steaming the meat.
• Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant and sweet taste in the sauce.
• If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to create a silky, clingy texture that coats the pasta evenly.
• Chop fresh basil just before adding to preserve its bright flavor and aromatic qualities.
• Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Ways to Change Up Chicken Tomato Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Mediterranean Seafood Edition: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish, adding a splash of white wine and extra herbs like oregano for a coastal-inspired meal.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for a celiac-friendly recipe.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Introduce chili powder, cumin, and swap cherry tomatoes with fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a zesty, bold flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Serve the pasta in a large, white ceramic bowl to make the vibrant red sauce and golden chicken pop visually.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a casual dinner experience by placing the skillet directly on the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves with warm, crusty bread on the side.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan right before serving to add a bright, aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the tomato-based pasta with a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to balance the meal's richness.

Storing Tomato Chicken Pasta for Lunch

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 3-5 minutes.

Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken tomato pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with zesty flavors and simple ingredients. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend perfectly, creating a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne or spaghetti)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Fresh basil for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water until al dente, following package guidance. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Introduce diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear until exterior turns golden and interior reaches 165°F, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, roughly 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning blend. Simmer mixture, stirring intermittently, allowing flavors to meld and tomatoes to soften for 5-7 minutes.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the tomato sauce. Allow components to integrate and reheat together for 3-4 minutes.
6. Gently fold reserved pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets evenly coated with sauce and ingredients.
7. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Use high-quality, ripe cherry tomatoes for a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color in the sauce.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutritional value.
• Fresh herbs like basil can be substituted with dried Italian seasoning if fresh isn’t available, maintaining the recipe’s authentic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 348 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg