Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
A hearty and flavorful chicken tomato pasta made with tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and baby spinach. This comforting dish is finished with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Main 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
Seasonings & Sauces
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach
- 1/3 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the fats: In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the butter and let it melt completely.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pan. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces turn slightly golden and are cooked through.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: Add the finely sliced onion and sliced mushrooms to the pan with the chicken. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring until the mushrooms reduce in size and are fully cooked.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the chopped garlic, red chili flakes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, then add the crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add spinach and combine: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1 more minute until it wilts. Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan & season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top if preferred.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried basil and oregano if available.
- To keep the dish gluten free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: chicken pasta, tomato pasta, chicken tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, one-pan pasta, creamy tomato chicken pasta