My husband loves chicken, but his favorite part in this dish is always the sauce. He says in every bite, the tomato flavor is fresh and comforting, and he can’t get enough of the Parmesan sprinkled on top. Watching him enjoy this meal always makes me happy, and it’s one of the recipes I go back to again and again.

Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta is one of those meals that feels warm, comforting, and homemade. The tender chicken pieces combined with a rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta make it a dish that everyone in the family loves. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You can make it on a busy weeknight, but it also works wonderfully for a cozy weekend dinner. The flavors are vibrant, the tomato sauce is slightly sweet with herbs, and the pasta soaks up all the delicious juices.

What makes this dish so special is its versatility. You can adjust the herbs, spices, or even add a bit of cream for a richer version. It’s a classic Italian-style dish that feels fancy, yet it’s so easy that even beginners can cook it successfully. The combination of chicken and tomato is timeless, and paired with your favorite pasta, it’s truly irresistible.

I have tried many pasta recipes, but I use fresh ingredients and simple herbs for this one. Always, I make sure the chicken is tender, the sauce is flavorful, and the pasta is cooked just right. This combination of care and simplicity makes it a recipe I love to share with friends and family.

You can serve this dish with a fresh green salad, some garlic bread, or a simple side of roasted vegetables. Also, a glass of light white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully with it. It’s a meal that feels complete, balanced, and satisfying.

Its Perfect For:

• Weeknight family dinners when you want something quick but delicious
• Cozy weekend meals with friends or loved ones
• Meal prep for lunchboxes or make-ahead dinners
• Comfort food on a rainy day or chilly evening
• Casual dinner parties where everyone loves Italian flavors

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan for chicken and sauce
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander to drain pasta
• Small bowl for mixing optional ingredients

How to Make Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta

Step 1

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside. This reserved water can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2

Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

Make the tomato sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5

Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces evenly in the tomato sauce. Simmer together for 3–5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6

Serve with pasta: Place the cooked pasta on serving plates and spoon the chicken and tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal!

Tips for Best Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta

• Always season your chicken before cooking to make sure it’s flavorful all the way through. Salt and pepper are simple but essential.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly so the flavors meld together. Rushing this step can make it taste flat.
• Reserve some pasta water—it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without thinning the flavor.
• Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate. This avoids overcooked or dry chunks.
• Fresh herbs give a bright flavor. Add them at the end to keep their taste vibrant.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to avoid burning the sauce. It distributes heat more evenly.
• Taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to make the dish your own every time.

Optional Ingredients

• 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamy tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for a little heat
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor depth
• 1/4 cup white wine for richness in the sauce
• 1 tablespoon capers or olives for a briny touch

How to Serve Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta

I like to start by plating the pasta carefully, twirling it neatly with a fork so it looks inviting. I always make sure there’s enough pasta on each plate to create a satisfying base. Then I spoon the chicken and tomato sauce over the top, making sure each piece of chicken is coated with the rich, flavorful sauce. I often drizzle a little extra sauce around the edges to make the plate look more appealing.

I serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The aroma of the fresh herbs and cheese makes the dish feel special, and it instantly whets the appetite. I usually set a simple side, like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, so the meal feels balanced and complete.

I also encourage family or guests to add their own touch. Some like an extra sprinkle of chili flakes or Parmesan on top, while others enjoy a light drizzle of olive oil. These small additions let everyone personalize their plate and make the dinner more interactive. Serving it this way always makes me feel proud and adds a little extra joy to the table.

Is Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta Healthy?

Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta can be very healthy if you use lean chicken breast and whole-grain pasta. The tomato sauce is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and adding fresh herbs boosts flavor without extra calories.

It’s a balanced meal because it has protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy nutrients from tomatoes and optional vegetables. Using olive oil instead of butter also keeps it light yet flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

• Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta: Add heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture and mild flavor.
• Vegetable Chicken Pasta: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie boost.
• Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Pasta: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano for extra aroma.
• Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Stir in mozzarella or Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy version.
• Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy taste.
• Whole-Wheat Pasta Version: Swap regular pasta for whole-wheat to increase fiber.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Finish the dish with garlic butter for a richer, indulgent flavor.

How to Store, How to Reheat

To store, place the chicken and pasta in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. If freezing, separate pasta and chicken sauce if possible for best texture.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until evenly heated. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. They stay juicy and add a slightly richer flavor. You may need to cook them a few minutes longer to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned crushed tomatoes are ideal and give a consistent, rich sauce. Fresh tomatoes can be used if you have them, but they may need to simmer longer to achieve the same thickness and depth of flavor.

How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta, such as rice or corn-based options. Double-check any optional ingredients like tomato paste or herbs for hidden gluten. The dish will taste just as delicious without gluten.

Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Learn how to make delicious Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Pasta! A simple, comforting Italian-style meal with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside. This reserved water can help loosen the sauce later if needed.
• Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the tomato sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
• Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces evenly in the tomato sauce. Simmer together for 3–5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Serve with pasta: Place the cooked pasta on serving plates and spoon the chicken and tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal!