Pasta with chicken and tomato sauce

Name: Pasta with chicken and tomato sauce - Zaraza B.
Ingredients: 400 g spaghetti; 400 g boneless chicken fillet; 200 g peeled tomatoes; 500 ml tomato juice; 300 g olives; 5 garlic cloves; 150 ml oil for sautéing; dried basil and bay leaf; salt and pepper

Pasta/Pizza - Pasta with chicken and tomato sauce by Zaraza B. - Recipia

Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce (Simple Recipe for Dinner) I have prepared this recipe dozens of times, especially when I get home late and don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. I usually use spaghetti, but any type of long pasta works. Boneless chicken breast is easy to find, and the sauce has simple ingredients that I always have on hand. What I appreciate the most is that there are no complicated steps and it doesn’t dirty too many dishes. Quick Info Total Time: 45-50 minutes Preparation Time: not clearly mentioned, but prep doesn’t take more than 10-15 minutes Cooking Time: about 30-35 minutes Servings: 4-5 Difficulty: easy Recipe Type: quick dinner with meat and pasta Ingredients 400 g spaghetti 400 g boneless chicken breast 200 g peeled tomatoes (ideally, but canned works too) 500 ml tomato juice 300 g olives 5 cloves of garlic 150 ml oil for sautéing Dried basil 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper Fresh parsley (optional, for serving) Preparation Steps 1. Boil the spaghetti in salted water, following the recommended time on the package. When done, drain and quickly rinse under cold water. Let them sit in the strainer while I prepare the rest. 2. Wash the chicken breast and cut it into medium cubes. Heat the oil in a deeper pan and add the chicken pieces. Cook on medium heat until they turn white and get a little color. 3. When the meat is cooked, add the finely chopped onion (the amount is not specified, but one medium is enough). Stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. 4. Chop the peeled tomatoes and add them to the chicken and onion. Also add the tomato juice. Let it simmer on low heat until it reduces and the sauce starts to thicken slightly (about 15-20 minutes). 5. After the sauce has reduced, add the olives (whole or sliced, as you prefer), crushed garlic, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it cook for a few more minutes to combine the flavors. 6. Finally, remove the bay leaf. You can mix the pasta with the sauce directly in the pan or serve them separately, with the sauce on top. At the table, if you like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Why I Make This Recipe Often The most practical reason is that all the ingredients are easy to find, and I don’t have to plan ahead. It’s quick to make, and the taste is balanced between the sweet-sour of the tomatoes, the saltiness of the olives, and the aroma of the chicken. It’s filling but not heavy. It can last for two days if there are leftovers, and when reheated, it doesn’t lose its flavor. Tips and Variations Tips Use fresh chicken breast, not frozen, if you want a juicier texture. If the olives are very salty, you can rinse them quickly. Don’t skip the bay leaf if you want an extra flavor, but don’t leave it in the sauce when serving. You can add the garlic only at the end, not earlier, so it doesn’t lose its flavor. Substitutions The chicken breast can be replaced with boneless thighs, cut into small pieces. If you don’t have peeled tomatoes, just use tomato juice – the taste will be a bit simpler, but not drastically different. Spaghetti can be replaced with penne or fusilli, but not with very thin pasta. Variations Add a little chili if you want the sauce spicier. Black or green olives can be mixed. For flavor, you can add a little oregano, but not too much so it doesn’t overpower the basil. Serving Ideas Pasta can be served with the sauce on top, or mixed before the meal, according to preference. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color and taste. It doesn’t need parmesan, but if you like it, you can add a little when serving. Frequently Asked Questions Can turkey meat be used instead of chicken? Yes, it works just as well, just that the cooking time may be a few minutes longer because turkey breast is denser. Is it necessary to rinse the pasta with cold water? It’s not mandatory, but a quick rinse helps prevent sticking and keeps the pasta firmer if you leave it aside until you make the sauce. Can I add vegetables to the sauce? Not in the original version, but if you want, you can quickly add some bell pepper or zucchini cut into small cubes after you add the onion. What kind of olives should I use? Pitted black olives work best, but any you have on hand will do, just be careful not to use ones that are too salty. Nutritional Values Approximate values per serving (calculation for 5 servings): Calories: 520-560 kcal Protein: 26-28 g Carbohydrates: 60-65 g Fats: 18-22 g These values are estimates and may vary depending on the type of pasta and olives used. Storage and Reheating The dish can be stored in the fridge, in a container, for up to 2 days. It is recommended to heat it in a pan with a little water or tomato juice, not in the microwave, so the pasta doesn’t dry out. If the pasta is already mixed with the sauce, the texture will be softer the next day, but the taste remains good. The recipe is practical for anyone needing a quick dinner with common ingredients, without complicated steps and special techniques. It’s not a recipe that will impress at festive occasions, but for an everyday meal, it’s just what you need.

Pasta with chicken and tomato sauce

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