This One-Pot Chicken Pomodoro is a delicious and simple dish that combines tender chicken breasts, a savory pomodoro sauce, and conchiglie pasta. The dish is made in one pot, reducing cleanup time, while the rich flavors of garlic, basil, and tomatoes come together beautifully. This recipe is perfect for a family meal or a dinner party, offering both convenience and taste in one.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound thinly sliced skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

For the Pomodoro Sauce:

• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup pinot grigio (or other dry white wine)
• 16 ounces conchiglie pasta

Directions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, garlic granules, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced shallot and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Deglaze the pot: Add the chicken broth and pinot grigio, stirring to combine and deglaze the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cook the pasta: Add the conchiglie pasta to the pot. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 12-15 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more chicken broth as needed.
7. Finish and serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pot, stirring to combine with the pasta and sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Varies based on portion size
• Fat: Varies based on ingredients and servings
• Carbs: Varies based on pasta
• Protein: Varies based on chicken

The Allure of Conchiglie Pasta

Conchiglie, also known as shell pasta, is a versatile and fun pasta shape that adds both texture and visual appeal to any dish. The shape of conchiglie is designed to trap sauce inside, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. The smooth, slightly curved shells are perfect for holding onto the rich, chunky Pomodoro sauce in this recipe. This makes conchiglie an ideal choice for this dish, as it allows the sauce to be evenly distributed with every forkful.

Unlike thinner pasta shapes, like spaghetti or linguine, conchiglie has a more substantial bite. This texture pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and rich tomato sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. The pasta holds up well in the sauce, maintaining its shape without becoming mushy, making it an excellent choice for a hearty, comforting meal.

The Chicken: A Protein-Packed Base

Chicken is often the go-to protein in many households, and for good reason. It’s lean, versatile, and easily adapts to various cooking methods and flavor profiles. In this recipe, thinly sliced skinless, boneless chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of salt, garlic granules, and Italian seasoning before being cooked to golden perfection.

The seasoning mixture imparts just the right amount of flavor to the chicken, creating a savory base that complements the acidity of the tomatoes in the Pomodoro sauce. Garlic granules and Italian seasoning add depth, while the salt enhances the natural taste of the chicken. The chicken breasts are cooked quickly in olive oil until browned on both sides, ensuring a juicy, tender result.

One of the key benefits of using skinless, boneless chicken breasts is their relatively low fat content, making them a healthier choice compared to other cuts like thighs or wings. Additionally, their mild flavor allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making them an ideal protein for dishes like this.

Pomodoro Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

The Pomodoro sauce is the star of this recipe, and it’s what gives the dish its rich, flavorful profile. Pomodoro is an Italian term that simply refers to a tomato-based sauce. While many tomato sauces are heavy on seasoning and spices, Pomodoro tends to be simpler, relying on the freshness of the tomatoes and the quality of the ingredients.

In this recipe, the Pomodoro sauce begins with the softening of shallots and garlic in olive oil. Shallots, with their mild onion flavor, add a subtle sweetness to the sauce, while garlic brings a familiar, savory depth. Together, they form a fragrant base that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Once the aromatics are softened, crushed tomatoes are added to the pot, creating the heart of the sauce. The sweetness of the tomatoes is balanced by a pinch of white sugar, which helps cut through the natural acidity. The crushed red pepper flakes add a slight heat, while the fresh basil brightens the entire dish with its fresh, herby notes.

The addition of chicken broth and pinot grigio helps to create a saucy, flavorful base for the pasta to cook in. The wine imparts a subtle complexity, while the chicken broth adds depth and richness to the sauce. As the sauce simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes.

The Cooking Process: Simplicity and Flavor in Every Step

One of the great things about this Chicken Conchiglie with Pomodoro Sauce recipe is its straightforward cooking process. While it may seem like a dish reserved for special occasions, it’s actually quite simple and can be prepared in less than an hour. The dish is made in one pot, which helps to minimize cleanup and allows the flavors to meld together in a seamless way.

The process begins by seasoning the chicken breasts and cooking them in olive oil. Once the chicken is browned and cooked through, it’s removed from the pot and set aside. This gives you time to focus on the sauce, which is the real highlight of the dish.

The sauce is then built up by sautéing the shallots and garlic, adding the crushed tomatoes and seasonings, and allowing the mixture to simmer. As the sauce reduces and thickens, the pasta is added directly to the pot, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. The conchiglie pasta takes on the flavor of the Pomodoro sauce, making every bite even more flavorful.

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, the chicken is sliced and added back into the pot, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce. The dish is then ready to be served, offering a hearty, comforting meal with layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Conchiglie with Pomodoro Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but there are a few ways to elevate the dining experience further. For a fresh contrast, serve the dish with a side salad, such as a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or a Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. A slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs wonderfully with this dish, perfect for dipping into the extra sauce left in the bowl.

For those who enjoy extra flavor, consider topping the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional heat. The dish can also be garnished with more fresh basil, adding a vibrant pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Conchiglie with Pomodoro Sauce is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. It’s a versatile dish that can be served on any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive gathering with friends. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, flavorful tomato sauce come together in a meal that is both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make option that will quickly become a family favorite.