Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Indulge in this comforting, restaurant-quality meal prepared in just one pot for maximum efficiency. This delicious dish combines tender, perfectly seared chicken breasts with al dente penne pasta in a rich, velvety tomato and cream sauce. It is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight, offering a gourmet flavor profile with minimal cleanup. The starches from the pasta release directly into the sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that perfectly balances the acidity of tomatoes with the richness of heavy cream and Italian herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked to 165°F.
- Remove chicken from the skillet, let it rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning; stir to combine.
- Add the dry penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes until pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Return the diced chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a higher fat content and more tender meat. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor profile. If a lighter sauce is preferred, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream. Dried oregano may be used as a garnish if fresh basil is unavailable.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.5gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
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