Easy Chicken Tomato Zucchini Pasta (30 Minutes)

Tender chicken, zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with spaghetti in a savory tomato basil sauce. This easy chicken tomato zucchini pasta recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. I add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the marinara sauce so it coats the spaghetti evenly.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings

Calories per serving 644 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
1 lb spaghetti
2 zucchinis sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup fresh basil loosely packed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
salt for seasoning pasta water and to season to taste
black pepper season to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and season with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions so it's slightly undercooked, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti well. Set aside.
Slice the chicken thighs against the grain into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Transfer to a medium bowl and season the sliced chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the outside turns white but the center is still slightly pink. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.
Add the sliced zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 10-15 seconds or until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Pour in the marinara sauce and reserved pasta water. Stir well and simmer until the sauce is heated through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add the cooked spaghetti and fresh basil leaves. Toss gently until the spaghetti is evenly coated in sauce. Remove from the heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

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