Name: Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 g pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter; 12 oz (350 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, finely sliced; 1/2 lb (225 g) closed cup mushrooms, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach; 1/3 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan

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Introduction

This Chicken Tomato Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce with fresh spinach. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

A black round pan filled with one layer of cooked penne pasta mixed with small chunks of chicken, fresh spinach leaves, and a tomato-based sauce that coats the pasta and chicken evenly, small bits of grated cheese sprinkled on top adding light white accents, all placed on a white marbled surface with a folded gray and white cloth nearby; in the background, there is a block of pale yellow cheese with a metal grater and a jar filled with red chili flakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

250 g pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
12 oz (350 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, finely sliced
1/2 lb (225 g) closed cup mushrooms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
2 cups (75 g) baby spinach
1/3 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions.
Step 2: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and melt the butter in it.
Step 3: Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until slightly golden.
Step 4: Add the sliced onion and mushrooms, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and reduced in size.
Step 5: Stir in the garlic, red chili flakes, dried basil, and dried oregano, cooking for about one minute to release their aroma.
Step 6: Add the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer for 1 more minute until wilted, then add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to combine.
Step 8: Stir in the grated Parmesan, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone just before serving.
Replace chicken with cooked sausage or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra mushrooms or zucchini.
If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A black bowl is filled with a three-layered pasta dish starting with penne pasta coated in a rich red tomato sauce, mixed evenly with chunks of cooked chicken pieces that have a slightly browned texture, and scattered green spinach leaves adding contrast. The top layer is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese melting lightly on the pasta, enhancing visual freshness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a block of cheese with a metal grater and a clear jar filled with red pepper flakes, adding texture and color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead and store it separately from the pasta. Reheat both and combine just before serving for the best texture.