A Simple Family Dinner for Busy Weeknights

Some of the best family dinners don’t need a long list of ingredients.

This easy chicken pasta is one of those meals I make when I want something comforting, filling, and quick to prepare. Lean ground chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and a few everyday seasonings come together to create a delicious dinner the whole family enjoys.

The best part is that you can serve it with any pasta you have on hand. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or tagliatelle, this simple sauce always tastes delicious.

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Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 500 g ground chicken
• 500 ml tomato passata
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½–1 tsp sugar (depending on the acidity of the tomatoes)
• A pinch of chili flakes (optional)

To Serve

• Your favorite pasta, cooked according to the package instructions
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.

Add the ground chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula until it is no longer pink.

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Season

Add the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Cook for another minute while stirring.

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Make the Sauce

Pour in the tomato passata.

Add the oregano, basil, sugar, and chili flakes if using.

Stir well.

Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

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Serve

Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.

Drain well and top with the chicken tomato sauce.

If you like, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

This chicken pasta is delicious with almost any type of pasta, including spaghetti, penne, fusilli, tagliatelle, or farfalle.

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Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Freezing

The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

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Recipe Tips

• Ground turkey works just as well as ground chicken.
• If your tomatoes are naturally sweet, you may not need any sugar.
• Simmer the sauce a little longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
• Add grated carrots or finely chopped zucchini if you’d like to include more vegetables.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute.

Can I make it without garlic and onion?

Absolutely. This recipe is intentionally simple and tastes delicious without either ingredient.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! This sauce goes well with almost any pasta, including spaghetti, penne, fusilli, tagliatelle, and farfalle.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes. Freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container.