25 Minute Chicken Linguine Recipe with Tomato Sauce

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! Perfect for busy weeknights! It’s also delicious for a special occasion or date night. So many options! 

When it comes to easy pasta recipes, this is sure to be a family favorite. I’ve also made this for a dinner party, and it was a huge hit!

Forget about dry chicken, and make this tender and juicy chicken pasta recipe. This is one of those new recipes that you’ll want to make asap for the whole family to enjoy! 

You can easily add some baby spinach for some pops of green among the cooked pasta, and don’t forget that squeezing some fresh lemon juice on top of this good meal is always a good idea.

And if you’re a fan of spice, you can add some red pepper flakes to your serving to make this easy recipe have a kick of heat! 

For the best results, follow the recipe card below to make this creamy chicken pasta. You don’t want to miss out! 

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!

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. Whole wheat pasta can work as well. 
  
  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. Be sure that they’re al dente in texture so that they have a good texture with the rest of the dish. 

I love the flavor of this creamy chicken linguine recipe any night of the week. You can make this simple recipe and then top with fresh basil or fresh parsley, or even a bit more Italian seasoning.

Lemon zest and the juice from fresh lemons will have your taste buds happy as well. All of the ingredients create the perfect combination of flavor! 

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.

For this recipe, skip adding salt to the large pot of water. 

• 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!

You can also add black pepper and a pinch of salt at the end as well. Have fun with the flavors of this simple pasta dish! 

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.

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

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.

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

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Originally published March 2013. Updated and republished August 2024

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