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Tomato Chicken Pasta

Tomato Chicken Pasta
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Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner option combining tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a fresh, vibrant, and comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekends. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it delivers balanced nutrition and delicious satisfaction effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers (quantity as desired for veggie boost)

Pasta & Grains

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta)

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons cream or mascarpone cheese (for creamy twist)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • Handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice
  • Optional: parsley, oregano, or thyme (as herb swap)

Cheese

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and the sauce thickens, around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook the pasta: While the sauce develops, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  4. Combine chicken, pasta, and sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the tomato sauce and mix well to coat. Toss in the drained pasta and stir everything together. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce slightly if it feels too thick.
  5. Finish with fresh herbs and cheese: Turn off the heat, sprinkle torn basil leaves over the pasta, then top with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir lightly to combine and serve immediately for the freshest flavors.

Notes

  • Use ripe tomatoes for a richer and sweeter sauce.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta together with a creamy consistency.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.
  • Double the sauce and refrigerate extras to use later for other meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Chicken Pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, Italian chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pasta option, fresh tomato sauce

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/tomato-chicken-pasta/