Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious pasta dish? Look no further! This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. It's packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs!
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat for sautéing.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Shallots are a great alternative!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that garlicky goodness.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of our delicious sauce.
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel): Adds a little spice and texture. (Optional, omit for a milder dish)
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that rich, creamy texture. Half-and-half works well too for a lighter version.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the tomatoes.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Another Italian staple that enhances the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
- 1 lb pasta of your choice: Penne, rotini, or your favorite shape will work perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a final garnish. Fresh basil is also a great choice.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): To serve alongside, enhancing the cheesy goodness.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful pasta dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
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.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies (if using), oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Creamy Perfection
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese (if desired).
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie boost: Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Cheese please: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day!
This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe is a winner for any occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #CreamyTomatoChickenPasta. Happy cooking!
