Easy pasta recipes combine simplicity and flavor. This creamy chicken pasta with tomato sauce proves it. Cooked in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
| Prep Time | 10 mins |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 mins |
| Total Time | 30 mins |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Italian |
Why This Recipe Works
This pasta dish balances bold tomato flavor with smooth creaminess. I developed it for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality taste without complexity. The uncooked garlic infusion deepens the sauce’s flavor without browning, saving time and avoiding burning.
The secret is combining tomato paste and milk for richness instead of heavy cream. This technique makes the sauce feel indulgent while keeping it dairy-simple.’
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 12 oz (340g) | Gluten-free available |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Not crushed tomatoes |
| Milk | 1 cup (240ml) | Milk or almond milk |
| Minced garlic | 4 cloves | Fresh optimal, not powdered |
| Chicken breast | 2, 6oz (170g) each | Scallops or shrimp works |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
- Bring 4 cups water and 4 tsp salt to boil in large pot
- Add spaghetti
- Mix tomato paste with milk in heatproof bowl
- Add garlic to sauce mixture
Cooking the Dish
- Simmer spaghetti 9-10 minutes
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water
- Place sauce in blender
- Blend smooth using room temperature milk
Combining and Serving
- Trim chicken, cook in pan 5 minutes
- Drain pasta and add to pan
- Pour sauce over pasta
- Add pepper and fresh basil
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
- Use salted water: The pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy liquid creates perfect sauce consistency
- Blend sauce cold: Hot ingredients emulsify too quickly
- Add zest: A hint of lemon sharpens the sauce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: Drains moisture from proteins and pasta
- Skipping salt in water: Creates bland base for dish
- Overpowering garlic: Too much creates bitter notes
- Using hot liquid in blender: Causes blender circulation issues
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Impact on Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Heavy cream | More richness but less tang |
| Chicken | Shrimp | Seafood flavor needs extra garlic |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
For family dinners, serve with garlic bread and Caesar salad. Weeknight lunches work well with crusty sourdough and grilled veggies. Pair with sparkling mineral water for a non-alcoholic option.
Storage and Reheating
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | 4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freeze | 3 months | Separate sauce from pasta |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Approximate values |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Ensure you adjust boiling time – gluten-free pasta requires about 2 minutes less.
How do I ensure the sauce isn’t too thick?
Use reserved pasta water. Add 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency.
What if the sauce separates during blending?
Add a thin stream of extra cold milk while blending to rebalance emulsion.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Make sauce a day ahead. Cook pasta separately and combine when ready to serve.
What are suitable side dishes for a meat-free version?
Grilled zucchini and crusty bread balance the dish nicely.
Final Touch: The first bite always reminds me of simple joys in cooking. This easy pasta completes its journey from stove to plate in 30 minutes – satisfying hunger and cravings in equal measure. The signature flavor? Fresh basil brightening every bite.
Print
Easy Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick Italian-inspired pasta dish combining bold tomato flavor and smooth creaminess made with tomato paste, milk, and garlic. Perfect for weeknights, this dairy-simple sauce still delivers restaurant-quality richness.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) spaghetti (gluten-free available)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup (240ml) milk (or almond milk)
4 cloves minced garlic (fresh optimal)
2 chicken breasts (6oz/170g each or substitute with scallops/shrimp)
Instructions
Boil 4 cups water with 4 tsp salt in a large pot
Add spaghetti and simmer 9-10 minutes
Reserve 1 cup starchy pasta water
Combine tomato paste, milk, and garlic in a blender
Blend sauce cold until smooth
Trim and cook chicken in a pan for 5 minutes
Drain pasta and add to pan
Pour cold sauce over pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed
Toss and finish with black pepper and fresh basil
Notes
Salted pasta water enhances flavor
Reserve pasta water for ideal sauce consistency
Blend sauce while cold to avoid blender issues
Replace garlic with half the quantity if sensitive
Add lemon zest for bright flavor
Gluten-free pasta available
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: EASY RECIPES
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
