Using just 6 ingredients this cheesy chicken tomato pasta is yummy and kid-friendly to boot! The whole family will enjoy this one!
Another delicious one-pot option is my Chicken Mushroom Pasta – ultra-creamy, garlicky and loaded with chicken and mushrooms for an easy weeknight meal Or, try a baked chicken alfredo pasta. Winner!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Quick to make, and super tasty
I love this tomato pasta with chicken when we are low on time, energy or ingredients (or all 3). I make this recipe because it is quick and easy, and can be modified to whatever you have on hand. It is a family favorite!
Pantry ingredients
I typically have these ingredients hanging out at home but rarely make it the same way each time. I regularly add red pepper flakes, or fresh tomatoes (cherry tomatoes are great!) and fresh or dried basil (tomato and basil is a classic combo!)
Adaptable
This is a super flavorful tomato sauce topped with seasoned chicken but feel free to add your favorite seasonings, this is a great recipe to experiment with and make your own.
If you’re looking for more recipes that are super easy, you’ll enjoy my Skillet Mac & Cheese as well as my Sausage Pasta. Both cooked in 1 pot!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- The taste: It kind of reminds me of canned SpaghettiOs – but so much better. My favorite part of this is that it’s so simple to prep. You can do it during the time the pasta is boiling and have dinner on the table in a very short amount of time.
- It is pretty easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Uses pantry ingredients that can be adapted to whatever you have on hand without the need for a trip to the grocery store.
Get a little fancier, and try my Bang Bang Chicken, too!
Key Recipe Ingredients
Remember: this is just an overview and the why of the ingredients I choose here. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast. You can use boneless chicken thighs too. I usually cook these while I’m making the sauce and cooking the pasta. I also use chicken pulled off a rotisserie chicken if I have it on hand.
- Pasta. Your favorite pasta that you have on hand works. I prefer the smaller ones like shells, ditalini or penne, but any shape pasta will work just fine.
- Butter. I use salted butter in this recipe.
- Tomato sauce. This is also known as tomato puree in some parts of the world.
- Seasonings. I use ranch seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Cheese. Any cheese will work!
How to make Chicken Tomato Pasta
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Gather your ingredients together. Cook the chicken ahead (season with salt and black pepper, then sauté bite sized pieces in some olive oil), or use some leftover rotisserie chicken (or leave it out). Slice chicken, or dice it or shred it. You do you.
Cook the pasta – any kind of pasta will do. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (you can cook the pasta in chicken broth if you prefer).
Cook the pasta al dente (still firm to the bite, but cooked). Drain the pasta and set aside. Save a little of the pasta water before draining in case you need to thin your sauce out.
Make the pasta sauce. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium to medium-high heat, and add the tomato sauce, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper.
Add it all together – add the pasta to the sauce and mix thoroughly. Remove from the heat and stir through the cheese to melt, then add the cooked chicken.
Serve: Grab some large bowls and serve it up! add some fresh basil as a garnish if you have it! Devour.
Kylee’s Notes
Save a little of the pasta water so you can use it to thin your sauce if necessary.
What to do with leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat until it is piping hot!
Substitutions/Additions
If you don’t have tomato sauce, use a can of regular diced tomatoes (you can puree them if you want), and add a little water and tomato paste to the mixture.
Add some grated parmesan cheese for a hit of salt, and delicious flavor.
Include a pinch of crushed chilli flakes into your sauce, or a little Tuscan seasoning or Italian seasoning.
For a creamy tomato sauce, add a little heavy cream, half and half, sour cream, yogurt or cream cheese.
Stir through some fresh baby spinach, or some steamed broccoli for an easy way to add veggies to this delicious pasta recipe.
More one pot recipes:
- One Pan Ham & Cheese Pasta. This One Skillet Ham & Cheese Pasta is a weeknight winner ready in less than 30 minutes that makes EVERYONE need seconds. Change up the pasta, and the cheese, but make it over and over!
- Ham Tetrazzini. A super-fast weeknight dinner, this Ham Tetrazzini is a spin on the traditional version and is sure to please the whole family.
- Spaghetti Carbonara. A classic pasta dish using simple ingredients, like a sauce made silky and rich by using eggs, bacon, and parmesan. This Classic Spaghetti Carbonara is comfort food, made right in your own kitchen.
- Tuna Noodle Casserole, This old-time classic tuna casserole will bring you right back to childhood. Budget-friendly and easy to double for a crowd!
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Easy Cheesy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lb small pasta (rotini, penne, shells)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 45 ounces tomato sauce ((3 x 15oz cans))
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
Optional garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or parsley, chopped)
Directions
Cook the chicken
Cook the pasta
- Cook 1 lb small pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
Make the sauce
- Melt 1/2 cup butter into a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 45 ounces tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning, stirring to combine.
Combine and serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Stir to combine, and allow to heat through.
- Remove from heat, and add the 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, stirring to melt.
- Test for seasoning, add more if needed.
- Top with cooked chicken.
- Devour.
Optional
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh basil
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Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Update: This recipe was originally published in May of 2017. It was republished with updated photos in June of 2022.
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