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Jamie Oliver Chicken Tomato Pasta

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tomato Pasta
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The Jamie Oliver Chicken Tomato Pasta is a sauté-based pasta dish where diced or sliced chicken is browned, then simmered in a tomato sauce before being tossed with al dente pasta.

It follows Italian-inspired cooking principles with emphasis on simple ingredients and proper technique.

Ingredients

Scale

    • 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

    • 2 chicken breasts (sliced or diced)

    • 2 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 small onion (finely chopped)

    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

    • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes

    • 2 tbsp tomato purée

    • ½ tsp dried oregano

    • Handful fresh basil (optional)

    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

    • 40 g grated parmesan

Optional:

    • Pinch chilli flakes

    • ½ tsp sugar (if tomatoes are very acidic)

    • Splash of pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Properly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

The reserved water will help bind the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Depth

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Avoid overcrowding, as this causes steaming instead of browning.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.

Add onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Add tomato purée and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavour.

Pour in chopped tomatoes and oregano. Simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.

If sauce tastes too sharp, add a pinch of sugar.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the pan.

Let it simmer in the sauce for 3–4 minutes so flavours combine.

The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon but not dry.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Add drained pasta directly into the sauce.

Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss gently.

The starch helps create a glossy, cohesive coating.

Finish with fresh basil and grated parmesan.

Serve immediately.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/chicken-tomato-pasta/