This Chicken Cacciatore Pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal—tender chicken, a flavorful sauce, and pasta to soak it all up.
I’ve been on such a comfort food kick lately! Maybe it’s the gloomy weather, but when faced with a choice between light and fresh or hearty and comforting, comfort food wins every time.
That’s why I’m loving this easy Chicken Cacciatore. Tender, slow-cooked chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce makes for a satisfying and flavorful dish. I’m all about recipes that let me throw everything into a pot, walk away, and come back to a delicious dinner.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Cacciatore
- Cooked in one pot for easy cleanup!
- Prep ahead of time and freeze for future meals.
- Slow-simmered thighs that melt in your mouth.
Recipe Ingredients
Whole Tomatoes – I used canned whole tomatoes with their juices for a rich, sweet base.
Capers – Salty with a bold tang, they add a sharp bite that balances the richness.
Pepperoncini – Mildly spicy and tangy, Pepperoncini gives the dish a bright, balanced kick.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Seasoning – Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or finish with fresh basil or parsley for brightness. Add more oregano and thyme to boost the earthiness. You can even sprinkle in some garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.
Swap Capers with Olives – Replace capers with kalamata or black oil-cured olives for a salty punch. Just give them a quick rinse to reduce the saltiness.
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Pasta
Step #1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and let them brown undisturbed for 90 seconds on each side.
Step #2: Add the remaining ingredients and allow the contents to come to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick (about 60 minutes).
Step #3: Optional: Serve with pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Expert Tips
Cook Chicken Until Fork-Tender – Simmer the chicken uncovered for 60 minutes. This thickens the sauce and makes the chicken super tender. Shred it into bite-sized pieces for a pasta-friendly texture.
Sear Chicken for Extra Flavor – Let the chicken brown without disturbing it. A good sear adds richness to the sauce.
FAQs
Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are great additions to this recipe. Sauté them in the pot after browning the chicken for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best—they stay super tender and juicy. You can swap in skinless chicken breasts or bone-in thighs, but the cooking time might need a little adjustment.
Storage Information
Store Chicken Cacciatore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
More Flavorful Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Recipe
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 28 oz can of whole tomatoes with juices
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tbsp capers
- 3 large pepperoncinis
- 1/4 c. jarred roasted red pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and let them brown undisturbed for 90 seconds on each side.
- Add the remaining ingredients and allow the contents to come to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick (about 60 minutes).
- Optional: Serve with pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
NOTES
Nutrition
The chicken and pasta were perfectly coated in sauce, nothing dry or bland at all.
Nice and easy. Thanks so much.