Description
Zesty Tomato Chicken Pasta Delight is a hearty and flavorful dish that blends tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta in a savory, zesty sauce. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a comforting and delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into strips
- 2 cups tomatoes, finely chopped (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200 grams pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a pinch of salt.
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
-
Make the Tomato Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, paprika, thyme, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the tomatoes break down.
-
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
-
Toss with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and all the ingredients are well combined.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly.
- Adjust the salt and paprika to suit your taste preferences.
- To reduce acidity, add a small pinch of sugar to the sauce.
- The dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired