There's nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken Tomato Pasta to bring comfort to your evening. The juicy chicken, tender pasta, and tangy tomato sauce come together in a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing.

I first made this recipe on a chilly fall evening when all I had on hand were pantry staples and a few fresh chicken breasts. What started as a quick dinner fix quickly became a family favorite, making regular appearances on our weekly menu.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tomato Pasta
Prepare to meet your new go-to dinner recipe. This Chicken Tomato Pasta ticks all the boxes for a meal that's quick, versatile, and delicious.
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. From start to finish, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
Next, it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy – just pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and a few seasonings you likely already have in your pantry.
It’s also crowd-pleasing and customizable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this recipe adapts beautifully to any palate. Add some heat with red pepper flakes, or toss in extra veggies for a nutrient boost.
Finally, this pasta is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or packing into lunchboxes.
Ready to cook? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken Tomato Pasta lies in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they work so well together.
- Chicken Breasts: These are lean, protein-packed, and cook quickly. For extra juiciness, pound them to an even thickness before cooking. You could also substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Pasta: I recommend penne or fusilli, as their ridges cling to the sauce perfectly. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or even whole wheat for a healthier twist.
- Canned Tomatoes: Go for high-quality diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. They form the base of the sauce, providing a balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics are essential for building depth in the sauce. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic for an even flavor distribution.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash creates a creamy, luscious texture without overpowering the tomato base. You can substitute with half-and-half or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Special Equipment
All you need is a large pot for the pasta, a skillet for the chicken, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. Simple, right?
How To Make This Chicken Tomato Pasta

Creating this delicious dish is a breeze. Here’s how to bring it all together.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the canned tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Chicken Tomato Pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for the ultimate meal.
Storage Options
This Chicken Tomato Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a nutrient-packed twist.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Go Dairy-Free: Skip the cream or use coconut milk for a non-dairy option.
- Try a Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Experiment with Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or try gnocchi for a fun change of pace.
Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen – the possibilities are endless!
Ready to make this Chicken Tomato Pasta part of your weeknight rotation? With its hearty flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a household staple. Don’t forget to share your results and tag me in your creations!
PrintChicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Tomato Pasta recipe is a perfect combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, dried basil, and chili flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream for a richer sauce (optional).
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use whole-grain pasta for a healthier alternative.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust chili flakes for spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
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