Pasta with chicken in tomato sauce is a simple yet extremely tasty dish that combines the tenderness of chicken with the intense flavour of tomato sauce. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, it will please any palate thanks to its harmony of flavours and aromas. The key to this recipe is the use of fresh ingredients and the right seasoning, which gives the dish a unique character.
The base of the sauce is the tomatoes, which, by stewing with onions and garlic, release their natural sweetness and deep flavour. The addition of herbs such as oregano and basil emphasises the Italian character of the dish, while a touch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. The chicken, fried until golden brown, adds protein and makes the dish more filling. The pasta cooked al dente blends perfectly with the sauce to create a harmonious whole.
Pasta with chicken in tomato sauce is a dish that can be prepared in a short time and the end result is sure to please even the most demanding gourmets. It is also a recipe that can be freely modified by adding your favourite ingredients, such as olives, capers or mushrooms, to give it a unique character. This dish is a perfect example of how you can easily create a delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- 400g of pasta (e.g. penne, fusilli)
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 800g canned tomatoes (or 6 fresh tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese to serve (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Chicken preparation:
- Dice the chicken breasts. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Fry the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Sauce preparation:
- In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, fry for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomatoes (if using fresh, scald, peel and dice). Add oregano, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken to the sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes until everything is combined.
Cooking pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Drain, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Combining ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce with the chicken, stir. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the saved pasta water.
Serving:
-
Ladle the pasta onto plates, garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
NOTES
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts to make the dish juicier.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes in season to make the sauce more flavoursome.
- Extras: You can add olives, capers or mushrooms to the sauce to enhance the flavour.