This Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting dish that combines juicy chicken with creamy tomato sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up this meal, perfect for busy weeknights. I usually serve it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—just makes it yummier! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great choice for creamy sauces as its shape traps the sauce nicely. If you’re out of penne, try using rigatoni or fusilli, which work well too.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and tender. For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. You can also swap with turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or milk works, but you’ll lose some creaminess. For dairy-free, use coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add flavor and moisture. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if they’re in season or use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for This Pasta?
Cooking the chicken perfectly will enhance the dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding oil. This prevents sticking and gives a nice sear.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper for flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- To ensure it’s fully cooked, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking for juiciness.
Following these tips will help you achieve a tender and flavorful chicken for your pasta!
Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta With Tender Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flavorful Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken and another 20 minutes making the creamy tomato sauce and combining everything. In no time, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté everything for 2-3 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen and the onions are translucent. Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring in the dried Italian herbs. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the sauce is creamy and smooth—this is the magic moment!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
6. Toss the Pasta:
Finally, gently toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, ensuring that every piece of pasta is deliciously coated with that rich tomato sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy tomato chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and some extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly for this dish due to its shape, you can substitute with other pasta types like rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or tofu. You could also add extra vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop.
