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Quick and Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

A tomato-based skillet pasta with browned chicken, colorful vegetables, Italian herbs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley or basil. This family-friendly dinner is ready in about 30 to 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces Penne, rotini, or spaghetti
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil, divided
Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Medium bell pepper, sliced or diced
Sauce and Seasoning
  • 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes, optional
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions, reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water, and drain.
  2. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, or pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and slice them after cooking. Season with about half of the Italian seasoning, the kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for approximately 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Cook the onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until beginning to soften, then add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds.
  5. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, remaining Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the sauce slightly reduces.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon or two at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat or reduce it to low. Stir in or sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs, then serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning chicken, and add Parmesan off the heat or over low heat so it melts smoothly.