Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe is a weeknight winner, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a comforting and flavorful meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time, yet delivers maximum taste. This recipe is optimized for SEO, incorporating relevant keywords and semantic variations naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities accordingly if you need to serve more or less.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Pasta Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying chicken pasta dish:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your pasta according to package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously for optimal flavor. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, oregano, and basil. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade creamy tomato chicken pasta!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Use different cheese: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Make it a complete meal: Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrients.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe provides a fantastic base. Feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking! Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken pasta! Remember to share your culinary creations using #CreamyTomatoChickenPasta.
