Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of a creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta – a culinary masterpiece that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's a journey through the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine, crafted to satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through with no pink in the center. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce and chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just until al dente to ensure it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Pat your chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out – this starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth texture.
- Flavor Boost: Don't skip the Parmesan cheese garnish – it adds a delightful nutty depth to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated gently, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Customization: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for additional nutrition and color.
- Seasoning Secret: Toast your Italian seasoning in the pan for a minute before adding other ingredients to intensify its flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
