Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce – Perfect for a Family Dinner in 30 Minutes!
Short introduction
Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a hearty and delicious meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender crushed tomatoes with ground chicken and flavorful spices over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s not only tasty but also a great way to incorporate protein and vegetables into your family’s diet.
Why you’ll love it
- Quick and Easy: The entire dish can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for rushed evenings.
- Versatile: You can adjust the spice level and add any veggies you have on hand for a personal twist.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices in the sauce ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Nutritious: With lean chicken and tomatoes, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise taste.
Ingredients
To make Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce, you will need:
- ½ lb dried conchiglie pasta
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup brown onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes, or as needed
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
- 600 ml water
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 g fresh basil, torn
Substitutions & key variations
- Pasta Type: You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the parmesan or use a non-dairy cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large shallow pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, soft, and translucent.
Step 2
Add the ground chicken to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Step 3
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
Step 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Crumble in 1 chicken stock cube, then add pasta and water (same level as the pasta). Stir until well combined.
Step 5
Cook until the pasta is al dente (about 8-10 minutes), occasionally stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 6
Once cooked to your liking, stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Remove from heat and serve immediately with garlic bread.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure to heat your pot to medium to prevent burning the onions and garlic.
- Texture: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
- Common Mistakes: Stirring too infrequently can cause the pasta to stick, so remember to give it a gentle stir every two minutes.
How to serve
Serve Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce hot in bowls, topped with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad, creating a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring until heated thoroughly. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen ground chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! It stores well and can be made in advance for quick meals during the week.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spice level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the chili pepper flakes according to your preference.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, just substitute the pasta for a gluten-free version.
Q: What can I serve alongside this dish?
A: Garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or steamed vegetables complement this pasta dish nicely.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a great source of protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and garlic. It also offers a good dose of dietary fiber from the pasta. Each serving is balanced and nutritious, fitting into most dietary plans.
Conclusion
Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce is easy to prepare and satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for families and busy individuals alike. With a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is bound to become a favorite around your dinner table. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your experience!
Links to related recipes
Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- ½ lb dried conchiglie pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 1 cup brown onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes or as needed
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cube chicken stock, crumbled
- 600 ml water
- ½ cup parmesan cheese for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 g fresh basil, torn for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large shallow pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, soft, and translucent.
- Add the ground chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Crumble in 1 chicken stock cube, then add pasta and water (same level as the pasta). Stir until well combined.
- Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked to your liking, stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Remove from heat and serve immediately.