Simple chicken tomato pasta isn’t just another weeknight fallback—it’s juicy, saucy, and bursting with fresh, bold flavor. Tender chicken, bright tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta come together like they planned it. Why phone in dinner when you can serve something this satisfying with barely any extra effort? 🍝
Freezer, ‘Fridge & Pantry
By Meg Jones – mother, professional, contributor.
When our kids were in onsite daycare at the University of Utah, they had a teacher, Eugenia, who had published a “refrigerator magnet” book called “Freezer, ‘Fridge & Pantry,” with easy recipes most people could whip up from what they have on hand.
I have often thought of Eugenia and her book over the past few weeks as we have been digging into our inventory for meals. I channeled her the other night when I created a pasta dish using what was on hand.
Simple Chicken with Tomato and Pasta
Ingredients
- leftover roast chicken shred whatever you can pull of the carcass
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 cans dice tomatoes though any tomato sauce,puree, canned whole would do
- spinach raw or frozen
- penne pasta or whatever you have available
- Parmesan cheese grated - or whatever you have on hand
Instructions
- Start the water boiling for the pasta.
- Dice the onion and sauté in olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté or sauce pan large enough so that you can add in the pasta after it has cooked.
- After 2 minutes, add the garlic, stirring occasionally until the onion and garlic are soft and aromatic.
- Add the diced tomatoes and salt & pepper to taste. If you have some chicken broth handy, you can add some of that too. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, add the spinach to the sauce in small handfuls, stirring to incorporate into the sauce. Continue to simmer, and add the shredded chicken, stirring occasionally.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the pasta water, about a cup. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce while it continues to cook, mixing the pasta in so it can absorb the flavor of the sauce. You may need to add some pasta water to help it along. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Serve in large bowls topped with shredded cheese to taste.
What to Do with a Leftover Supermarket Roast Chicken
I was inspired by a roast chicken carcass in the refrigerator. It had enough meat to add to a dish but not enough to be the main attraction. So, I decided to make a simple pasta dish with shredded chicken as the protein.
Luckily, we had some penne pasta and diced tomatoes on the shelves, garlic and onion in the drawer, and spinach close to wilting in the veggie drawer. In short order, we assembled a hearty, satisfying mid-week dinner that didn’t require a death-defying trip to the store.
We were all surprised at how tasty this was. If I had come across basil or parsley in the fridge, I might have added some of that.
This dish is very forgiving, so if you want to try it, add whatever you want. Then, you can boil the chicken carcass to make broth for future use.
Enjoy!
| Leftover Chicken Idea | Description | Wine Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Chickden Salad | Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, grapes, and almonds for a fresh, crunchy salad. Serve chilled on bread, croissants, or over greens. | Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, citrusy notes complement the salad's freshness. |
| Chicken Soup | Simmer chicken with vegetables, noodles, or rice for a comforting homemade soup perfect for using up bits of meat and bones for broth. | Chardonnay – light, slightly oaky complements the rich broth without overpowering. |
| Chicken Quesadillas | Layer chicken, cheese, and sautéed peppers in a tortilla. Toast until crispy for a quick, flavorful snack or meal. | Pinot Noir – light red balances smoky, cheesy flavors. |
| Chicken Fried Rice | Stir-fry chicken with rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and eggs for a quick, satisfying meal using leftover grains and protein. | Riesling – slight sweetness complements salty, savory fried rice. |
| Chicken Pasta | Toss shredded chicken with pasta, olive oil, garlic, vegetables, and Parmesan for a hearty and easy dinner. | Chardonnay – buttery notes pair well with pasta and chicken. |
| Chicken Tacos | Fill soft or hard tortillas with chicken, salsa, avocado, and cheese for a versatile and flavorful meal. | Tempranillo – medium-bodied red enhances savory Mexican flavors. |
| Chicken Casserole | Combine chicken with rice, cream soup, vegetables, and cheese. Bake until bubbly for a comforting family dish. | Viognier – aromatic white wine complements creamy, baked flavors. |
