Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe

What You’ll Need:

For the Chicken

●  2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

●  1 tsp Italian seasoning

●  1 tsp smoked paprika

●  Salt and black pepper, to taste

●  1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta

●  300g spaghetti

●  1 tbsp olive oil

●  3 garlic cloves, minced

●   1 medium onion, finely chopped

●  2 tbsp tomato paste

●  1 cup crushed tomatoes

●  ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

●  1 tsp Italian seasoning

●  Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It

1. Start with the Pasta

Cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente. Save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Then cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Build the Base of Flavour

In the same skillet, heat a little more olive oil and sauté your garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.

4. Create the Sauce

Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to coat the aromatics and let it cook for a minute.

Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer gently, adding a pinch of salt, black pepper, and chilli flakes if you want a bit of heat.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to ensure every strand is coated.

If the sauce feels a bit thick, stir in some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss the cooked chicken back into the pan, making sure it’s well combined.

6. Garnish and Serve

Dish up your pasta, sprinkle it with fresh parsley for that extra touch.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely. While spaghetti is the star here, you can use whatever you have—penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would all work beautifully.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

3. What can I pair this dish with?

Garlic bread is always a winner, and a light side salad would complement the meal perfectly.

4. Is the chilli flakes necessary?

Not at all! They’re just for a bit of heat. If you’re not into spice, skip them.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables—courgettes, aubergines, or mushrooms will do wonders in this dish.

Now go ahead, grab that fork, and enjoy your new go-to pasta dinner!