There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Chicken Tomato Pasta to brighten up a busy weeknight. This simple yet flavorful dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato sauce that’s bursting with herbs and garlic.
I first discovered this recipe on a rushed evening when I needed something quick and satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and some chicken from the fridge, it became an instant family favorite that now graces our dinner table regularly. Let me show you how to bring this delicious recipe to life!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Tomato Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as convenient as it is delicious. Chicken Tomato Pasta checks all the boxes for a meal that's perfect for weeknights or even casual dinner parties.
First off, this recipe is wonderfully quick and easy. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a hearty, homemade meal on the table in no time.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re working with leftover chicken, fresh tomatoes, or even gluten-free pasta, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.
And don’t forget about the bold, comforting flavors. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta creates a dish that’s satisfying, warming, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, and you’ll have lunch or dinner sorted for the next few days, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chicken Tomato Pasta lies in its simplicity. With a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
The chicken is the star protein here. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for their lean, tender texture, but chicken thighs work wonderfully if you prefer something juicier.
The pasta is the base of the dish, and you can’t go wrong with classics like penne or spaghetti. Their shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
For the tomato sauce, I recommend using crushed tomatoes or a good-quality canned tomato product. It’s the foundation of the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic and herbs.
Speaking of garlic, don’t skimp! Fresh minced garlic adds depth and warmth to the sauce, making it irresistible.
Finally, basil and Parmesan cheese are the finishing touches that bring the dish together. Fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan gives the pasta a creamy, savory kick.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a pot for the pasta and a skillet for the chicken and sauce.
How To Make This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Creating this Chicken Tomato Pasta is as easy as it is rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente perfection. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining—this will help thicken the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in your bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently, reducing slightly and developing its flavors.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with a handful of freshly chopped basil. Stir everything together, then mix in the drained pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious aroma as you dig in.
This entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy evenings when you need something satisfying in a snap.
Storage Options
Chicken Tomato Pasta is just as delicious the next day, making it ideal for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
If you’d like to freeze this dish, skip adding the Parmesan during the initial preparation. Store the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described, adding fresh Parmesan before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it to suit your preferences or make use of what’s already in your kitchen.
- For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. The hearty vegetables soak up the tomato sauce beautifully.
- If you’re avoiding gluten, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or lentil-based pastas work well and add extra protein to the dish.
- Want a creamier sauce? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end for a luscious finish.
- Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage for a flavorful variation.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce while it simmers.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. It’s a foolproof base that can adapt to your cravings and pantry staples.
PrintChicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Tomato Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and pasta tossed in a savory sauce.
- 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 pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release juices.
- Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, and chili flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Mix cooked pasta with the sauce until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust chili flakes for spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
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