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Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dish

A comforting and flavorful pasta dish combining creamy chicken with the tangy zest of tomatoes. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz penne or your pasta of choice
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and pre-measure for convenience.
  2. Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute.
  6. Add drained diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat and stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Return chicken to skillet and stir to coat in sauce.
  9. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
  10. If using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in and cook for 2-3 more minutes until spinach wilts.
  11. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For added depth, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker texture. Don’t overcook pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken tomato pasta, easy dinner, one pot pasta