There's nothing quite like a comforting plate of Chicken Tomato Pasta to bring everyone to the table. The rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make this dish a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, combining fresh ingredients with pantry staples for a meal that's as quick to make as it is satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish delivers on flavor and ease. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tomato Pasta
Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe! Chicken Tomato Pasta is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, ensuring it earns a spot in your regular meal rotation.
First and foremost, this dish is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a wholesome meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for when you need a delicious dinner on a tight schedule.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s a one-pan wonder! Beyond boiling the pasta, everything else comes together in a single skillet. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
The flavors are versatile and crowd-pleasing. With a savory tomato base, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, this dish appeals to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
Lastly, this recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that won’t break the bank. Affordable, delicious, and packed with nutrients – what’s not to love?
Now that you’re intrigued, let’s explore the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken Tomato Pasta lies in its balance of simple ingredients that work together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
The pasta is the heart of this recipe. I recommend using penne or fusilli for their ability to hold onto the sauce, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
For the protein, chicken breast is a perfect choice. It’s lean, cooks quickly, and takes on the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a balanced bite in every forkful.
The tomatoes are the star of the sauce. Use a combination of canned crushed tomatoes and fresh cherry or grape tomatoes for a depth of flavor that balances sweet and tangy notes. Adding a little tomato paste enriches the sauce and thickens it perfectly.
To elevate the flavor, garlic and onions are must-haves. Sautéed until golden, they create a savory base for the sauce that complements the chicken and tomatoes. A touch of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme brings warmth and a hint of complexity.
For richness, a drizzle of olive oil and a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese go a long way. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding a creamy finish that ties everything together.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and your trusty kitchen knife.
How To Make This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Making this dish is as straightforward as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a pasta dish that’s sure to impress.
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook just until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, followed by the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to enhance its flavor.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, and dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir everything together, then let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Add the drained pasta to the pan, mixing thoroughly so the sauce clings to every piece. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, tossing again to combine.
The result is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that’s ready to be served hot and enjoyed by all.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Chicken Tomato Pasta are just as delightful as the first bite. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you plan to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
For the best results, store the pasta and sauce separately if possible, as this helps maintain the texture of the pasta.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.
- For a spicier version, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers with the onions.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
- If you’re out of Parmesan, grated Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can work as a substitute.
Feel free to get creative with this recipe – it’s forgiving and adaptable to whatever you have in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
PrintChicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Tomato Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting one-pot meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 300g penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, mixing to combine.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as an alternative.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cooking cream.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your spice preference or omit entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
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