Unleash the Taste of the Mediterranean with Our Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe!
Whip up a feast of flavors with our easy chicken pasta recipe, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
This dish is a celebration of robust Mediterranean flavors, combining succulent chicken breasts with the rich aromas of garlic, anchovies, and dried chili, all simmered in a savory tomato and red wine sauce.
Tossed with al dente spaghetti and sprinkled with freshly chopped herbs, this hearty meal is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply spice up your dinner routine, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey right in your own kitchen.
Get ready to indulge in a plate of pure satisfaction that’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table!
⦁ 4 tbsp (60ml) black olives
⦁ 2 cloves garlic
⦁ 16 oz (500g) tomatoes
⦁ 3fl oz (100ml) dry red wine
⦁ 4 chicken breast filets
⦁ 4 tbsp (60ml) olive oil
⦁ 6 anchovy filets in oil
⦁ 12 ½ oz (400g) spaghetti
⦁ Salt & freshly ground pepper as desired
⦁ 1 small dried chili
⦁ 2 tbsp (30ml) chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
1. Briefly blanch the tomatoes in boiling water, then cool them in ice water, peel, quarter, remove seeds, and finely dice.
2. Finely chop the peeled garlic along with the anchovies and chili.
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped garlic mixture.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and wine to the pan and simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Season the chicken breast filets with salt and pepper, and sear them on one side in an ovenproof grill pan until they are lightly browned.
6. Flip the chicken breasts, sprinkle with herbs, and transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C). Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until 'al dente'. Stir the olives into the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Drain the spaghetti and toss it with the tomato sauce. Serve alongside the baked chicken breast filets.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless; pound to even thickness for faster, juicier cooking
✔ Spaghetti – Classic choice; cook al dente for perfect texture
✔ Canned Tomatoes – Whole San Marzano or diced; quality tomatoes make a big difference
✔ Olives – Black (like Kalamata) or green; pitted and roughly chopped
✔ Capers – Rinsed to remove excess brine, for bright pops of flavor
✔ Anchovy Fillets – Melt into the sauce for rich umami (won't taste "fishy")
✔ Garlic – Fresh cloves, thinly sliced for aromatic depth
✔ Red Pepper Flakes – For a touch of heat
✔ Olive Oil – Extra virgin for richness in both chicken and sauce
✔ Fresh Parsley – To finish with freshness and color
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Season Chicken Well – Salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs before cooking
✔ Brown Chicken First – Sear in olive oil until golden, then finish gently to avoid drying out
✔ Build Sauce Separately – Start with garlic and anchovies in oil, then layer in tomatoes, capers, and olives
✔ Simmer Sauce Briefly – 10–15 minutes for a vibrant, punchy flavor
✔ Toss Pasta in Sauce – Don't just top it; mix spaghetti directly into the puttanesca for better flavor absorption
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Pound Chicken Evenly – About 1/2 inch thick to ensure quick, even cooking
✔ Deglaze Pan (Optional) – After searing chicken, splash white wine to lift flavorful bits before starting sauce
✔ Use Pasta Water – Reserve some starchy pasta water to loosen sauce if needed
✔ Sear Hot, Finish Low – High heat for sear, then lower heat to cook chicken through gently
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Salty, Briny, Spicy – Puttanesca is bold; taste as you go to balance salt from capers, olives, and anchovies
✔ Freshness – Add parsley and a squeeze of lemon right before serving to brighten the dish
✔ Spice Control – Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level
✔ Tomato Sweetness – A pinch of sugar can balance overly acidic tomatoes if needed
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Store chicken and pasta separately if possible; keeps 2–3 days in airtight containers
✔ Reheat Gently – Warm chicken and pasta in a pan with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture
✔ Not Freezer-Friendly for Pasta – Sauce can freeze, but cooked spaghetti may get mushy
✔ Meal Prep Tip – Make extra puttanesca sauce and freeze separately for a quick future meal
🍽 Serving
✔ Plating – Nest spaghetti first, top with sliced chicken breast
✔ Garnish Ideas – Fresh parsley, lemon zest, or shaved Parmesan (though traditionally puttanesca is cheese-free)
✔ Wine Pairing – Serve with a bold red like Chianti or a crisp white like Vermentino
✔ Perfect For – Quick dinners that feel special, Mediterranean-themed nights, or impressive meal prepping