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Quick to make, and super tasty – this cheesy tomato pasta using just 6 ingredients (mainly pantry staples) is yummy and kid-friendly to boot! The whole family will enjoy this one!
I love this recipe when we are low on time, energy or ingredients (or all 3). This recipe is quick and easy, and can be modified to whatever you have on hand. 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 cherry tomatoes and fresh basil (tomato and basil is a classic combo!)
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!
I have made this a lot – mainly on nights where I really really can’t be bothered, but you know – my family needs to eat. I really enjoy it despite myself. Sometimes, the simple dishes really can be the bigger winners!
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.
Want to know a sneaky trick for getting your kids to eat broccoli? Spend time making something for them that you know they like, and will eat happily, and then put broccoli alongside it. Just to spite you, they’ll eat the broccoli and ignore the pasta dish that they usually scarf like it’s their job.
Ingredients
6 ingredients, including chicken, butter, tomato sauce, pasta, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese.
How to make Tomato Pasta
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
Gather your ingredients together. Cook the chicken ahead (saute bite-sized pieces in some olive oil), or use some leftover rotisserie chicken (or leave it out).
Cook the pasta – any kind of pasta will do. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water. When cooked to al dente (still firm to the bite, but cooked). Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the pasta sauce – melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, and add the tomato sauce, ranch seasoning, chicken, salt and pepper.
Add it all together – add the drained pasta to the sauce and mix thoroughly. Remove from the heat and stir through the cheese to melt.
Serve: Grab some large bowls and serve it up! Devour.
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 Pasta (with Chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 lb small pasta (ditalini, shells, whatever)
- 1 stick/1/2 cup butter
- 45 oz tomato sauce ((3 x 15oz cans))
- 1 Tbs dry ranch seasoning
- 2 cups diced and cooked chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, melt butter into a large pot over medium heat.
- Add tomato sauce, ranch seasoning, chicken and seasonings stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce
- Stir to combine, and allow to heat through.
- Remove from heat, and add the cheese, stirring to melt.
- Test for seasoning, add more if needed.
- Devour.
Nutrition
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.
Source: Inspired/Adapted from Picky Palate
April R - Uncookie Cutter says
This looks so easy and so yummy!!
Donna says
Weirdly enough, broccoli is my two year old sons favorite food??? Oh and he doesn’t wear pants at the dinner table either 🙂 I am sure my kids would be all over this pasta dish!!
Kylee says
I’d love to hear what they think, Donna!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
My husband will have to try this brilliant broccoli trick on me sometime – I am the broccoli hater! And with this pasta sitting next to it… broccoli doesn’t stand a chance with me!
Kylee says
Haha – whatever it takes, right?
Melissa says
So cute! My husband doesn’t wear a shirt or pants at the table sometimes (but never missing both at once, thankfully). This pasta dish does remind me of my childhood! Simple and delish.
Lisa says
Super cute post, adorable kids, and yummy sounding meal! ?
Wandercooks says
Oh my gosh look at their faces, hahaha love it! I bet they secretly enjoy that broccoli they just don’t want you to know. Love this recipe, so good to have a quick and easy meal for a weeknight. Bonus points for delicious dishes that remind us of our childhoods. They’re always the best. 🙂
Jackie Garvin says
What adorable munchkins! This is a wonderful family meal choice. Nicely done.
Garlic + Zest says
That looks great! My daughter would love this — she loves anything pasta!
Tara says
Haha! Sounds like my kids. They would definitely like this! Such a great weeknight meal.
Ksenia @ At the Immigrant's Table says
This would indeed be a great comfort weeknight meal, even sans pants or shirt! Love the photos of your little cheesy-faced cuties 🙂
Kate says
We gave the little guy prime rib, mashed potatoes and broccoli when we went out Sunday night. Of course he only wanted he broccoli.
Kylee says
What gives, right?! I mean c’mon. CHEESY PASTA.