Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce

A delicious chicken pasta with tomato sauce recipe perfect for Canadian home cooks. Ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

4

Calories

440

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 is something quietly satisfying about a bowl of pasta tossed with a warm, bright tomato sauce and tender chicken — it is the kind of meal that feels like coming home. This version gets its depth from garlic blooming in olive oil, then simmering down with canned diced tomatoes until the sauce turns rich and clingy. A splash of pasta water at the end gives it that glossy sheen, and a shower of Parmesan finishes it off.

Canadian home cooks reach for this recipe because it delivers real flavour without demanding real effort. You get dinner on the table in half an hour, and everyone at the table is happy. It is the kind of weeknight dish that earns repeat orders.

Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Gardez un bon verre d'eau de cuisson avant d'égoutter les pâtes — c'est ce liquide amylacé qui transforme une sauce fine en quelque chose de soyeux capable d'enrober chaque brin. Laissez les pâtes finir dans la poêle pendant une à deux minutes pour que le goût de tomate et d'ail se marie vraiment. Et ne rincez jamais vos pâtes après la cuisson, sauf si vous préparez une salade froide.

What to Serve With It

Serve this straight from the skillet with a hunk of crusty baguette or garlic toast for mopping up the last bit of sauce. A simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil cuts through the richness nicely. For a proper Canadian supper, add roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup on the side — my family always expects a little extra on the plate.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce — microwaving tends to dry it out. The pasta will absorb more liquid overnight, so you may need to add a little extra pasta water when reheating to get the right consistency again.

Nutrition Facts

440

cal

20g

Protein

19g

Fat

63g

Carbs

5g

Fiber

634mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh?+

Absolutely. Canned diced tomatoes are actually ideal here because they break down easily and give you a consistent sauce throughout. Drain excess liquid if the can is very watery, otherwise just pour them straight into the skillet.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?+

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all hold sauce beautifully. Spaghetti or linguine work too but the chunkier shapes tend to trap more of that tomato-garlic sauce in each bite.

How do I know when the sauce is ready?+

The sauce is done when it has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. You will also notice the oil beginning to separate and pool around the edges — that is a good sign the flavours have concentrated.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

Yes — cook the sauce and chicken separately and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and add a splash of pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.

Is it okay to skip the Parmesan?+

It is perfectly fine if you prefer dairy-free or simply don't have any on hand. The sauce will still taste great, though the cheese does add a lovely salty depth that ties everything together.

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)

Chantal D.★★★★★

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

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.