25 Minute Chicken Linguine Recipe with Tomato Sauce

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This Chicken Linguine Recipe is dinner, simplified. The combination of cheese, fire-roasted tomatoes, and zesty Italian dressing gives this skillet pasta such a vibrant flavor, it will leave you begging for more!

Titled image: chicken linguine with tomato sauce


 

Chicken Linguine Recipe

Even with just 10 ingredients, this skillet pasta is incredibly dynamic. I grabbed a tasting fork and dove in for the pre-dinner taste test. 

The combination of tender chicken and linguine with savory tomatoes and zesty Italian dressing gives this dish such a vibrant flavor, I had to go back for more! 

Since this recipe with chicken and tomato sauce is ready in under 30 minutes, Sunday dinner is now a weeknight meal! 

In fact, I have plenty of 30 minute chicken recipes for you to choose from!

Aside from the classic chicken and tomato sauce combo, you’ll find cheesy casserole, creamy soups, and even a few appetizers!

cooking chicken in pot

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Chicken – Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips — or grab a pack of tenderloins to save yourself the prep work!
  • Tomato Paste – Such a small amount makes a big difference! This boosts the savory flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
  • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes – The secret ingredient for “simmered all day” flavors in such a quick chicken linguine recipe.

    If you can’t find the variety with garlic, grab the one without and swap the garlic powder for a few minced cloves instead.
  • Linguine – Really, any long noodle variety will work with skillet chicken and tomato sauce.

    Try spaghetti or fettuccine, but stay away from thinner options like angel hair pasta as it’s too delicate for the weight of the chicken and tomato sauce.
adding tomato paste to cooked chicken

Tips for Making the Best Skillet Pasta

  • Use the right pan.

You’ll get a better sear on the chicken with a Dutch oven or enameled cast iron pan.

Nonstick just won’t get hot enough, and you may end up with burnt bits if you use stainless steel.

  • DON’T salt your pasta water.

I know, it goes against all of the traditional advice.

But there is already plenty of salt in this chicken linguine recipe, between the Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese, so we don’t need it in the noodles.

  • Don’t forget to garnish!

Freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley are finishing touches that round out the flavors in this dish — and make each plate so pretty!

adding italian dressing to pan

Variations of this Recipe with Chicken and Tomato Sauce

With chicken and linguine as your base, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own!

I am going to try swapping the zesty Italian dressing for a sun-dried tomato dressing.

And for an extra kick, a can of Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes with Spicy Red Peppers — oh what a dinner that will be!

You could easily swap the chicken in this skillet pasta with ground beef or Italian sausage if you prefer.

Veggies are another welcome addition to this recipe with chicken and tomato sauce. Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and even broccoli would be tasty.

Just keep in mind that certain varieties may need to be sauteed first (after the chicken) or steamed separately and stirred in before serving.

adding cooked linguine to pot

Serving Suggestions

Make it a true Italian feast with a big bowl of salad and your choice of garlic bread, knots, or breadsticks.

Burrata caprese salad is one way to step up your meal. Or, impress guests with a giant antipasto wreath!

Then, finish off the night with crispy, chewy pignoli cookies or a simple affogato!

Chicken and Linguine FAQ

Is it bad to cook tomato sauce in cast iron?

As long as the pan is enameled, it’s perfectly fine.

It’s not recommended to cook acidic ingredients and sauces in a regular cast iron pan, as they can erode the seasoning or even make your food taste metallic.

Can I cook the linguine in the same pan?

Not with this chicken linguine recipe — there won’t be enough liquid to cook the pasta, and adding it will water down the sauce.

I do have a few one pot pasta meals you can try. Explore the Greek flavors in a cheesy pasta with chicken, or add your own poultry to puttanesca!

pot of 25 minute Chicken Linguine Recipe

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Tomato Sauce

Allow the dish to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat chicken and linguine together in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth for moisture.

closeup of 25 minute Chicken Linguine Recipe

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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25 minute Chicken Linguine Recipe on a white plate

25 minute Chicken Linguine Recipe on a plate

25 Minute Chicken Linguine Recipe with Tomato Sauce

Donna Elick
This 25 minute Chicken Linguine Recipe makes an easy, scrumptious skillet pasta with the flavors of chicken parm — right on your stovetop!!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Method Stovetop
Servings 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 pound linguine, uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained (I use Hunt's)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing, I use Kraft Zesty Italian
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, or Parmesan/Romano blend
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken and cook 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
  • Stir in tomato paste and garlic powder and continue cooking for another minute.
  • Add tomatoes, dressing, and water and stir to combine.
  • Using tongs or a spaghetti server, transfer pasta from cooking water and place into the skillet. Toss pasta to cover with sauce and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Garnish pasta with cheese and fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 467cal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 645mg | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
chicken linguine with tomato sauce - pin

Originally published March 2013. Updated and republished September 2023

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17 Comments

    1. Awww, thanks Candace. I am so happy you love it! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

      XO
      Donna

  1. Tried this recipe tonight and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you The Slow Roasted Italian- I really love your posts!

  2. Chicken Parmesan is one of our favorite meals to order at a local restaurant we frequent! I may just have to try this at home!! Sounds delicious!! Pinning it!!

  3. Made this tonight with a few changes. Sauted about 1/2 of a sweet onion and a couple of diced garlic pieces along with the chicken before following the rest of the recipe. At the end before the finishing touch of parmesan cheese, I also added a scant teaspoon of red pepper flakes and seasoned lightly with some dried parsley and oregano from last years garden! Was a good recipe! I really liked how the zesty Italian blended so well! Next time, I plan on marinating the chicken before making again. Definitely a keeper recipe! 🙂

  4. I love your recipes! I've tried a few and they have all been so delicious and easy! This one will be tonights dinner. Have told all my friends about you and the amazing recipes you have.

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