Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Italian Chicken Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, fresh vegetables, and Italian herbs, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to make and bursting with the rich flavors of Italy. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or fresh, diced)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the diced onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Add the fresh spinach (if using) and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce and chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Italian chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad!

Cooking Notes

• Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work best with this dish, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Tomato Sauce: For a richer flavor, you can use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a splash of red wine to the sauce.

Variations

1. Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end to make the sauce extra rich and smooth.

2. Italian Chicken Pasta with Vegetables

Add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies and flavor.

3. Spicy Italian Chicken Pasta

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. You can also toss in sliced spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

4. Gluten-Free Italian Chicken Pasta

Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta for a gluten-free option. Make sure all other ingredients, like the chicken broth and cheese, are also gluten-free.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. Ensure that the tomato sauce and cheese are sugar-free and low in carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Italian chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce.

Q: Can I use jarred pasta sauce?
Absolutely! For a quicker version, you can use jarred marinara sauce and add your own seasoning adjustments to taste.

Q: What can I serve with Italian Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.

This Italian Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite pasta, it’s an easy recipe that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious pasta dish that’s sure to please the whole family!