chicken pomodoro pasta recipe

chicken pomodoro pasta recipe

The Best chicken pomodoro pasta recipe

I’ve been making this chicken pomodoro pasta recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. The dish originated from the Italian cuisine, where pomodoro sauce is a classic tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The addition of chicken and pasta gives it a hearty twist that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My family loves it because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. We often serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. What I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of its ingredients and the technique involved in cooking the pasta al dente.

It’s a game-changer for any home cook who wants to elevate their pasta game without much fuss. My kids adore the combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s also a great way to get them to eat their veggies, as they’re hidden within the sauce.

As for me, I appreciate how this recipe brings people together – whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is always a hit. The health benefits of using fresh tomatoes, lean chicken breast, and whole wheat pasta make it a guilt-free option for any meal. In fact, I’ve even served it at potlucks and parties, where it’s always devoured quickly.

My friends are always impressed by the depth of flavor and the ease of preparation. And let’s not forget the leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Chicken Pomodoro Pasta

Chicken Pomodoro Pasta

4.7 from 1405 votes

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast in a rich tomato sauce. The pomodoro sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a bright and satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), halved horizontally
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pomodoro Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 tbsp reserved pasta water
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper on both sides.
5Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
8Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
10Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
11Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
12Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
13Toss everything together with the reserved pasta water and chopped basil until well combined and heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Tongs
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes. You can substitute fresh tomatoes by blanching and peeling 6 medium tomatoes, then crushing them. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Pomodoro Pasta Works

This chicken pomodoro pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal.

The leftovers are also incredibly versatile – reheat them for lunch or dinner the next day, add some steamed vegetables on top for extra nutrition, or serve them over rice or zucchini noodles for something different.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pomodoro Pasta

Q: What is pomodoro sauce?

Pomodoro sauce is a simple tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes basil or oregano. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine and is often served with pasta or used as a base for other sauces.

Q: Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead?

While store-bought tomato sauce can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own pomodoro sauce from scratch for the best flavor and texture. The fresh tomatoes give it a depth of flavor that you just can’t replicate with jarred sauces.

Q: How do I ensure my pasta cooks al dente?

Al dente is an Italian term that means ‘to the tooth.’ It refers to pasta that’s cooked until it still has a bit of bite or chew to it. To achieve this texture, cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s slightly undercooked. Then drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Q: Can I substitute chicken breast with thighs or vice versa?

You can use either chicken breast or thighs in this recipe – both work well! However, keep in mind that chicken breast will cook faster than thighs, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses gluten-free whole wheat pasta and doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to choose gluten-free options if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.

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