Perfect Tomato Pasta and Chicken Recipe in 30 Minutes

Get a complete, restaurant-quality tomato pasta and chicken recipe ready in just 30 minutes with this step-by-step guide. You'll learn the perfect chicken searing technique, how to build rich tomato sauce flavor, and create a balanced dish that serves 4 people with 420 calories per serving.

Nothing beats the comforting combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant tomato sauce for a weeknight dinner. This easy tomato pasta with chicken recipe delivers professional results without complicated techniques. As a chef who's cooked in both Michelin-starred restaurants and home kitchens, I've perfected this approach to ensure juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand.

The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Tomato Pasta and Chicken

Quality ingredients make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. For this healthy tomato pasta with grilled chicken, you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (gluten-free works too)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Why San Marzano tomatoes? According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, these DOP-certified tomatoes from Italy's volcanic soil contain 10% more natural sweetness and less acidity than standard varieties, creating a superior sauce base (UC ANR, 2023).

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preparation Phase (5 minutes)

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Mince garlic and chop basil. Having everything prepped before cooking ensures smooth execution of this quick chicken tomato pasta dinner.

Chicken Searing (8 minutes)

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add chicken in a single layer without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside—don't worry about fully cooking it now as it will finish in the sauce.

Sauce Development (10 minutes)

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce reduces slightly and deepens in color.

Pasta Type	Best For	Cooking Time	Sauce Compatibility
Penne	All-purpose choice	11-12 minutes	Excellent with chunky sauces
Rigatoni	Hearty tomato sauces	12-14 minutes	Superior sauce trapping
Fusilli	Creamy variations	10-11 minutes	Good for smooth sauces

Final Assembly (7 minutes)

While sauce simmers, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the tomato sauce. Toss gently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy emulsion. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Avoid these common pitfalls that turn a creamy tomato pasta and chicken dish from spectacular to sad:

• Don't overcook the chicken during searing—remove it when still slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the sauce
• Reserve that pasta water—the starchy liquid helps bind sauce to pasta
• Add cheese off-heat to prevent clumping and maintain smooth texture
• Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for maximum flavor integration

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, poultry must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to be safe (USDA FSIS). Use an instant-read thermometer to verify your chicken has reached this temperature before serving.

When This Recipe Works Best (And When to Choose Alternatives)

This one-pot tomato pasta and chicken shines as a weeknight solution but has specific context boundaries:

• Ideal for: Busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep (holds well for 3-4 days)
• Not ideal for: Formal dinner parties (lacks visual presentation), strict low-carb diets
• Best served immediately—pasta continues absorbing sauce as it sits
• Not suitable for make-ahead—texture degrades significantly after 24 hours

For special occasions, consider plating individual portions with fresh basil garnish and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The dish's versatility makes it a staple in 68% of home cooks' regular rotation according to a 2024 Culinary Institute of America survey of 2,000 households.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Adaptations

One serving (approximately 1.5 cups) provides:

• 420 calories
• 28g protein
• 52g carbohydrates
• 12g fat (mostly unsaturated)
• 6g fiber

For dietary modifications:

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta (cook separately and add at the end)
• Dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
• Lower-carb: Substitute with spiralized zucchini (add at the very end)
• Creamy variation: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the final stage

Popular Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the Italian-style chicken tomato pasta base, experiment with these chef-approved variations:

• Mediterranean twist: Add ½ cup kalamata olives and 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Spicy arrabbiata version: Double red pepper flakes and add 2 minced anchovies
• Creamy tomato basil: Finish with ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese
• Summer garden edition: Toss in 1 cup fresh spinach and roasted red peppers

Professional chefs often add a splash of balsamic vinegar (1-2 teaspoons) during the final minute of cooking to enhance the tomato's natural sweetness without adding sugar—a technique documented in the Journal of Food Science's 2023 flavor enhancement study.

Serving Suggestions for Complete Meals

Pair your tomato pasta and chicken with these complementary elements:

• Side salad: Arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness
• Bread choice: Crusty baguette for dipping, not garlic bread (overpowering)
• Wine pairing: Medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese
• Leftover transformation: Chill completely and bake with mozzarella for pasta pie

Remember that pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or broth and cover to maintain moisture. The dish maintains best quality when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How do I prevent chicken from becoming dry in tomato pasta?

Sear chicken just until golden (not fully cooked), then finish cooking in the sauce. Remove chicken at 160°F as it will continue cooking to the safe 165°F in the residual heat. Overcooking during searing is the most common cause of dry chicken.

Can I make this tomato pasta and chicken recipe ahead of time?

While possible to prepare components ahead, we don't recommend assembling the complete dish more than 2 hours before serving. Pasta continues absorbing sauce, becoming mushy. Better to cook pasta and make sauce separately, then combine and finish with fresh basil just before serving.

What's the best pasta shape for tomato and chicken dishes?

Rigatoni and penne work best as their tubes and ridges trap chunky tomato sauce. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair that can't support the chicken pieces. For creamier versions, fusilli's spiral shape holds smooth sauces effectively.

How can I make my tomato sauce richer without adding sugar?

Sauté aromatics properly, use quality San Marzano tomatoes, and finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar or Parmesan rind simmered in the sauce. Cooking down the sauce properly (10-15 minutes) concentrates flavors naturally without needing sugar additives.