Best Chicken Pasta

Best Chicken Pasta

A delicious best chicken pasta recipe perfect for Canadian home cooks. Ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

4

Calories

490

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare Ingredients

    Gather and prep all ingredients. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pasta

    Cook pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    In a large skillet over medium heat, prepare the sauce base with aromatics and main flavouring ingredients.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately, garnish with fresh herbs and grated cheese. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I always slice chicken breast against the grain and pound it to even thickness before cooking. Even cooking means juicy results.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There's something quietly brilliant about this chicken pasta. You're working with a handful of pantry staples—garlic, canned tomatoes, olive oil—and coaxing them into a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. The Parmesan melts right into the starchy cooking liquid, giving you that silky finish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a win.

Canadian families keep coming back to this recipe because it delivers comfort without fuss. Thirty minutes from start to finish, and you've got dinner on the table. The garlic-tomato base is rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough that it doesn't weigh you down. It's the kind of dish that earns a second helping without anyone asking twice.

Tips for the Best Best Chicken Pasta

Réservez l'eau de cuisson avant d'égoutter les pâtes—c'est l'amidon qui lie votre sauce aux nouilles. Laissez mijoter les pâtes dans la poêle pendant une minute pour que les saveurs se marient bien. Ne rincez jamais les pâtes cuites; vous voulez que toute l'amidon aide la sauce à accrocher.

What to Serve With It

Serve this straight from the skillet with a wedge of Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil or parsley on top. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, and crusty sourdough is always welcome for soaking up every last drop. Pair with a glass of Pinot Grigio or a crisp local Canadian beer on a quiet Tuesday night.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce—microwaving tends to dry things out. The pasta absorbs more liquid overnight, so don't skip that extra moisture when reheating.

Nutrition Facts

490

cal

29g

Protein

27g

Fat

49g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

604mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?+

Absolutely. Chicken breast works just fine—just cook it a minute less to avoid drying it out. Thighs have more fat and stay juicier, but either cut works in this recipe.

How spicy can I make this dish?+

Start with a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed in with the garlic. For serious heat, double the amount or add a dash of cayenne. The tomatoes and Parmesan mellow the spice nicely.

What type of pasta works best here?+

Penne or rigatoni hold onto the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti or fettuccine work too. The key is choosing something with enough surface area to catch the tomato-garlic mixture.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?+

Freezing isn't ideal for pasta dishes—the noodles tend to get mushy when thawed. If you must, freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when you're ready to eat.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?+

Yes, simply swap regular pasta for a good-quality gluten-free brand. Brown rice or corn-based pastas hold up well. Watch the cooking time carefully since GF pasta behaves differently.

Tips & Tricks

  • Reserve pasta water — it's the secret to a silky sauce.
  • Don't rinse pasta after cooking unless making a cold salad.
  • Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to marry flavours.

Reviews (3)

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.