Easy Tomato & Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful tomato & chicken spaghetti never felt so effortless!

Pasta lovers appreciate simple meals that combine fresh ingredients with minimal fuss.

Juicy chicken pieces mingle with ripe tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Quick weeknight dinners demand smart solutions like this one-pot wonder.

Mediterranean influences shine through each vibrant bite, promising satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Home cooks can master this straightforward recipe in less than thirty minutes.

Trust me, this dish will become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses everyone around the table.

Tomato & Chicken Spaghetti Simple Splendor

• Create a mouthwatering dish with common pantry staples, eliminating the need for complicated or expensive grocery shopping.
• Customize this spaghetti with your favorite herbs, cheese, or additional vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master this recipe with easy-to-follow instructions that work for cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned home chefs.

Ingredients for Tomato Chicken Spaghetti

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich meat that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the recipe.
• Canned Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce and adds moisture to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the flavor of the chicken and sauce.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and creates a smooth cooking surface in the pan.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Cook Tomato & Chicken Spaghetti Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the spaghetti and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, letting it rest while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.

Pour in the canned tomatoes, including their juicy liquid.

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for several minutes.

Step 4: Merge Flavors Together

Introduce the shredded chicken into the tomato sauce.

Add the cooked spaghetti and gently toss everything together.

Ensure each strand of pasta gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates.

For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Balanced, Savory Tomato Chicken Spaghetti

• Shake the colander gently to remove excess water, preventing soggy spaghetti and ensuring sauce clings better to each strand.
• Marinate chicken in herbs and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper, richer taste.
• Simmer sauce uncovered to naturally thicken and concentrate tomato flavors, creating a more robust and intense coating for pasta.
• Taste and adjust salt levels gradually, remembering Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, preventing over-seasoning the entire dish.
• Revive next-day pasta by adding a splash of water or broth when reheating, preventing dryness and maintaining original texture.

Storing and Reheating Tomato Chicken Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Best Accompaniments for Tomato Chicken Spaghetti

• Pair Zesty Sangria: Create a vibrant red wine sangria with fresh citrus slices that cuts through the rich tomato sauce, complementing the chicken's savory flavor.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which balances the tomato's acidity and enhances the herb-seasoned chicken's depth.
• Fresh Herb Salad: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the hearty pasta dish, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with a golden, crispy exterior to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add textural variety to the meal.

Flavor Variations on Tomato Chicken Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Spaghetti: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that's safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a meat-free version of the dish that's packed with protein.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced bell peppers, and swap oregano for za'atar seasoning to transform the recipe into a spicier, Mediterranean-inspired meal with more complex flavors.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, reduce salt, and opt for low-sodium chicken broth to create a heart-healthy version that doesn't compromise on taste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguine. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and can provide more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering or include a dash of hot sauce when combining ingredients for an extra kick of heat.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Easy Tomato & Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory tomato & chicken spaghetti brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Home cooks can quickly craft this delightful pasta dish that blends hearty chicken, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti (or pasta of choice)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of water and cook spaghetti according to package guidelines until al dente. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. Season chicken breasts with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat at 350°F.
3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces.
4. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour canned tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to incorporate with onion and garlic. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavors.
6. Fold shredded chicken into the tomato sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat pasta thoroughly with sauce and chicken.
8. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for enhanced aroma and presentation.

Notes

• Select firm, ripe tomatoes for a more vibrant and fresh sauce flavor that enhances the overall dish’s taste.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking without excess fat.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor variations that suit your palate.
• Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silkier sauce texture if the mixture seems too dry during combining.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg