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    Home » Lunch

    12th February 2021 Dinner

    Home » Lunch

    The Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken

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    The Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken - Penne pomodoro is a delicious recipe made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and other fresh ingredients. Pomodoro is the Italian word for Tomato so Penne Pomodoro is Tomato Pasta or Pasta in a tomato sauce. This is a recipe that is enjoyed all over Italy and one that is super simple to make! I have added chicken here which works amazingly well in this  QUICK and SIMPLE recipe.

    Penne Pomodoro in a bowl

    The Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken 

    Pomodoro sauce is traditionally made using tomatoes cooked in olive oil along with garlic, basil, salt, and sometimes onions.

    Pomodoro sauce can vary in both ingredients and texture.

    I have read recipes that include onions. Some have no Garlic. Some recipes use a Soffrito base. 

    Some recipes prefer a smooth sauce and others prefer a sauce with some texture.

    So you can adjust this recipe according to your personal taste.

    What is the meaning of Pomodoro Sauce?

    Pomodoro means tomato in Italian food.

    Pomodoro Sauce means tomato sauce. It is combined with Olive Oil, Garlic, Basil and Salt.

    The word Pomodoro however, translates to golden apple because the tomatoes traditionally used in Italy to make the dish were very slightly yellow in colour which is the colour of the apples too.

    Is Marinara and Pomodoro the same?

    The difference between marinara and Pomodoro sauce is in the texture and consistency. Pomodoro sauce is a thicker sauce that is often smooth. A marinara sauce has chunks and is usually more watery.

    What is the taste of Penne Pomodoro?

    Penne Pomodoro has a sweet Tomato flavour with freshness from Basil coming through.

    Is Pomodoro Sauce good for you?

    Yes! As it is made mainly of Tomatoes it is loaded with Vitamins.

    Pictured below we have Spaghetti Pomodoro which is a popular variation.

    Penne Pomodoro in a bowl

     

    Penne Pomodoro in a bowl with a fork

    Ingredients needed for Penne Pomodoro

    Here is a quick rundown of the main ingredients to make Penne Pomodoro with Chicken.

    Penne Pasta or Spaghetti

    Penne is a cylinder shaped pasta that is most commonly used in this recipe. 

    Plum Tomato Tins or Fresh Tomatoes when in season

    You can use fresh tomatoes in the Summer.

    I use tinned plum tomatoes in most my recipes because they release less water then chopped tomatoes and I prefer the consistency overall.

    Most tomato varieties will work here but I would strongly suggest that you taste them first.

    Tinned tomatoes usually have citric acid added to them which helps to preserve them but it also makes them more sour. In this case, a pinch of sugar will help sweeten them up.

    See more notes re Tomatoes below.

    Chicken Breast

    Cut into chunks. You can also use boneless, skinless Chicken thighs.

    Stock

    Vegetable, Chicken or Mushroom just add a little extra flavour. You can skip this and just add water.

    Garlic

    I always use a lot of Garlic finely sliced for aromatic flavour. Add as much or as little as you like.

    Olive oil

    A good quality one is best here as there are so few ingredients. It also helps to make the Pasta taste authentically Italian.

    Herbs 

    Fresh Basil Leaves add so much flavour so they  are preferred but you could sub with dry if you don't have any. You can also add some oregano, and parsley. I often add one or both.

    Salt & Pepper

    To bring it all together.

    Optional Additions

    Red chili flakes

    Parmesan Cheese 

    Sugar - This is only if the tomatoes are a bit sour.

    How to make Penne Pomodoro – Step by Step

    Ingredients for penne Pomodoro with chicken on table

    Boil pasta with salt according to pack instructions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water.

    Penne pasta in pot

    Pasta in boiling water

    Boiled pasta in colander

    To make the sauce, heat the oil. 

    Oil in pot

    Add Garlic, Chilli Flakes if using and Basil.

    Garlic, Chilli Flakes and Basil in Oil in pot

    Cook on medium low for 2 minutes.

    Add Chicken and cook for 5 - 7 minutes until just cooked.

    Chicken added to pot

    Add Tomato Puree and mix through.

    Tomato puree added to pot

    Pour in Stock and Tomatoes.

    Tomato added to pot

    Pasta water being added to tomato

    Now add Salt, Pepper, Sugar if needed and Pasta Water.

    Stock, Salt, Pepper added to pot

    Cooked tomato sauce in pot Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes.

    Add Penne and stir through.

    Sprinkle over Parmesan if using.

    Penne Pomodoro in a bowl with a fork

    How to make Pomodoro Sauce with fresh Tomatoes

    Although I use tinned Tomatoes here, you can use fresh Tomatoes. Here is how you can make this recipe with fresh tomatoes.

    1. Chop the tomatoes, and scoop out the seeds.
    2. Purée in a food processor till completely smooth.
    3. Continue with the recipe as normal.
    4. Taste the sauce, and season add add a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the sourness/acidity of the tomatoes.

    FAQs for Penne Pomodoro with Chicken 

    What are the best Tomatoes to use in Penne Pomodoro?

    Pretty much every recipe asks for San Marzano tomatoes which are plum tomatoes grown in Southern Italy.
     
    They are known for their sweet flavour and are considered to be the best tomatoes.
     
    However I did see a post by Italian Chef, Aldo Zilli. He rated over 80 tomato tin varieties and I went off that.
     
    I have also seen recipes that use fresh tomatoes that are cooked low and slow for 30 - 45 minutes.
     
    When I have made this recipe, I have used Mutti Pomodoro,  East End or Sainsbury's Italian Plum tomato tins. I also tried these tomatoes from Italy which are available occasionally from Sainsbury's.

    Pomodoro translates  to tomato in Italian. Penne is a shape of Pasta. So this recipe is for Penne in a tomato sauce with chicken.

    Pasta al pomodoro is a popular Italian dish made with few fresh ingredients -  pasta, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and basil.

     
    Solania tomato tin
     
    Mutti Pomodoro tomato tin
     
     
    There are mixed opinion on whether the sauce should be smooth or chunky but I opted for smooth because that is how I prefer it. 

    Is Penne Pomodoro Vegetarian?

    Yes it is but in this recipe, we have added Chicken. If you prefer to make it Vegetarian, omit the Chicken and use Vegetable Stock.

    Is Penne Pomodoro Spicy?

    No! It isn't. I have added a pinch of chilli flakes but these can be left out.

    Is Pomodoro Sauce Vegetarian?

    Yes it is, as long as you use Vegetable Stock.

    What is Pomodoro Sauce made of?

    Pasta al pomodoro is typically made with with pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, basil, other fresh ingredients such as garlic. This is a quick dish with a light sauce. The sauce is made up of Tomatoes and Basil but other ingredients such as Garlic can be added to it too.

    How to Serve Pasta Pomodoro

    I like to serve it with a large fresh green Salad, a grating of Parmesan Cheese and a chunky slice of Garlic Bread.

    Other favourites include:

    Tenderstem Broccoli

    Air fryer Asparagus

    5 minute Shirazi Salad

    Korean Garlic Bread

    Other Pasta varieties you can use 

    There isn't a wrong choice here but some Pasta shapes work better then others.

    • Spaghetti: This is often used and therefore works very well! 
    • Farfalle, Fusilli, Rigatoni: These all work well and they hold more sauce because of their shape. 
    • Gnocchi: These soft dumplings work well with rich tomato sauces. 
    • Ravioli or Tortellini: Pasta filled with cheese, meat, or veggies work well with tomato sauces.

    Recipe Variations

    Onion

    I originally made this recipe with onion but after trying it without I realised it doesn’t need it. You can add some and saute with the Garlic to thicken the sauce.  

    Add ground meat to the sauce

    Pomodoro Sauce works well with grounds beef, lamb and chicken.

    Tomato Quantity

    I add quite a lot of tomato here and I think it is delicious. You can cut that down by 200 ml.

    Use a variety of herbs.

    Ones that work well are Oregano, Parsley and Thyme. You can also use mixed Italian seasoning.

    More ways to use Pomodoro Sauce

    This sauce can be used in a number of ways. You can either keep the chicken in or omit it.

    Here are some great ways to use the sauce:

    • Pizza - My kids love this sauce on Pizza. I often reduce the sauce and let it simmer and bubble away on low heat for 30 - 45 minutes before using. 
    • Lasagna - It is delicious layered in a lasagna.
    • Chicken Parmesan - I use this recipe. 
    • Enchiladas or Quesadillas
    • Ravioli
    • Casserole - The sauce works well with many a casserole dish. 

    Tips for the Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken

    Use the best ingredients 

    As there are so few ingredients, using the best quality you can makes a real difference to the flavour.

    Simmer with the lid off 

    When I first made this recipe, I left it simmering away on low heat for quite some time. To save time, to thicken the sauce and to build flavour quicker, I now leave it uncovered and cook on medium low.

    Parmesan 

    Although optional, do grate it yourself. Store grated cheeses usually have a coating which stops them from clumping together but it also affects how the cheese melts.

    Add a pinch of Sugar 

    It is often the case that tinned tomatoes are slightly too acidic. A pinch of sugar helps balance this out.

    Pasta Water 

    This is used to help emulsify the sauce and bring it all together.

    Taste at the end 

    Taste and adjust seasonings at the end before adding the Penne back in. 

    Storage

    Store leftover penne pomodoro keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    To Freeze

    Keep the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    How to Reheat

    Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave in short bursts until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce a little if needed.pastedGraphic.png

    More Pasta Recipes:

    Masala Pasta

    Cheese and Broccoli Pasta

    Simple Mushroom Pasta

    Marks and Spencer Copycat Spinach, Pesto and Pine Nut Pasta

    One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo

    **if you make something from  tiffin and tea, i would love to see your creations! don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below! we love to hear from you. safira x

    A few bowls of Penne Pomodoro

    5 bowls of penne Pomodoro with cutlery
    5 from 2 votes
    Print

    The Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken

    The Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken - Penne pomodoro is a delicious recipe made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and other fresh ingredients. Pomodoro is the Italian word for Tomato so Penne Pomodoro is Tomato Pasta or Pasta in a tomato sauce. I have added chick which works amazingly well in this Quick and Simple Penne Pomodoro recipe.

    Course Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword Penne Pomodoro, Pomdoro Sauce
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 365 kcal
    Author Safira

    Ingredients

    • 500 g Penne Pasta or Spaghetti
    • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
    • 6 Garlic Cloves sliced
    • Pinch Red Chilli Flakes Optional
    • Small bunch Basil Leaves torn
    • 1 lb Chicken Breast cut into chunks
    • 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
    • 800 g Plum Tomato Tins pureed
    • 250 ml Vegetable Stock
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Large pinch Sugar Optional
    • 3 tbsp Parmesan grated, Optional

    Instructions

    1. Boil pasta with salt according to pack instructions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water.

    2. To make the sauce, heat the oil. Add Garlic, Chilli Flakes if using and Basil. Cook on medium low for 2 minutes.

    3. Add Chicken and cook for 5 - 7 minutes until just cooked.

    4. Add Tomato Puree and mix through. Pour in Stock and add Tomatoes.

    5. Now add Salt, Pepper, Sugar if needed and Pasta Water. Simmer uncovered over medium low heat for 10 - 15 minutes.

    6. Add Penne and stir through. Sprinkle over Parmesan if using.

    Recipe Notes

    How to make Pomodoro Sauce with fresh Tomatoes

    Although I use tinned Tomatoes here, you can use fresh Tomatoes. Here is how you can make this recipe with fresh tomatoes.

    1. Chop the tomatoes, and scoop out the seeds.
    2. Purée in a food processor till completely smooth.
    3. Continue with the recipe as normal.
    4. Taste the sauce, and season add add a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the sourness/acidity of the tomatoes.

     

    What Is the difference between Marinara and Pomodoro?

    The difference between marinara and Pomodoro sauce is in the texture and consistency. Pomodoro sauce is a thicker sauce that is often smooth. A marinara sauce has chunks and is usually more watery.

    How to Serve Pasta Pomodoro

    I like to serve it with a large fresh green Salad, a grating of Parmesan Cheese and a chunky slice of Garlic Bread.

    Other favourites include:

    Tenderstem Broccoli

    Air fryer Asparagus

    5 minute Shirazi Salad

    Korean Garlic Bread

    Other Pasta varieties you can use 

    There isn't a wrong choice here but some Pasta shapes work better then others.

    • Spaghetti: This is often used and therefore works very well! 
    • Farfalle, Fusilli, Rigatoni: These all work well and they hold more sauce because of their shape. 
    • Gnocchi: These soft dumplings work well with rich tomato sauces. 
    • Ravioli or Tortellini: Pasta filled with cheese, meat, or veggies work well with tomato sauces.

    Recipe Variations

    • Onion - I originally made this recipe with onion but after trying it without I realised it doesn’t need it. You can add some and saute with the Garlic to thicken the sauce.  
    • Add ground meat to the sauce - Pomodoro Sauce works well with grounds beef, lamb and chicken.
    • I add quite a lot of tomato here and I think it is delicious. You can cut that down by 200 ml.
    • Use a variety of herbs. Once that work well are Oregano, Parsley and Thyme. You can also use mixed Italian seasoning.

    More ways to use Pomodoro Sauce

    This sauce can be used in a number of ways. You can either keep the chicken in or omit it.

    Here are some great ways to use the sauce:

    • Pizza - My kids love this sauce on Pizza. I often reduce the sauce and let it simmer and bubble away on low heat for 30 - 45 minutes before using. 
    • Lasagna - It is delicious layered in a lasagna.
    • Chicken Parmesan - I use this recipe. 
    • Enchiladas or Quesadillas
    • Ravioli
    • Casserole - The sauce works well with many a casserole dish. 

    Tips for the Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken

    • Use the best ingredients - As there are so few ingredients, using the best quality you can makes a real difference to the flavour.
    • Simmer with the lid off - When I first made this recipe, I left it simmering away on low heat for quite some time. To save time, thicken the sauce and to build flavour quicker, I now leave it uncovered and cook on medium low.
    • Parmesan - Although optional, do grate it yourself. Store grated cheeses usually have a coating which stops them from clumping together but it also affects how the cheese melts.
    • Add a pinch of Sugar - It is often the case that tinned tomatoes are slightly too acidic. A pinch of sugar helps balance this out.
    • Pasta Water - This is used to help emulsify the sauce and bring it all together.
    • Taste at the end  - Taste and adjust seasonings at the end before adding the Penne back in. 

    Storage

    Store leftover penne pomodoro keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    To Freeze

    Keep the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    How to Reheat

    Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave in short bursts until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce a little if needed.pastedGraphic.png

    Nutrition Facts
    The Best Penne Pomodoro with Chicken
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 365 Calories from Fat 162
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 18g28%
    Saturated Fat 6g38%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Cholesterol 18mg6%
    Sodium 118mg5%
    Potassium 333mg10%
    Carbohydrates 41g14%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 9g18%
    Vitamin A 1095IU22%
    Vitamin C 16mg19%
    Calcium 75mg8%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

     

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    1. Yvette says

      December 06, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      I really loved the addition of chicken in this recipe. I like it plain but with chicken it is even better!

      Reply
      • Safira says

        December 08, 2022 at 6:19 pm

        Hi Yvette,
        I agree, Chicken makes it so good! Thankyou for your comment. x

        Reply

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