Description
Looking for a satisfying, easy dinner that feels indulgent but is quick to make? This Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight is your go-to. Tender chicken bites simmered in a creamy, herbed tomato sauce, tossed with pasta and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan — it's comfort food done right. Whether you're seeking new dinner ideas, a quick weeknight meal, or a crowd-pleasing recipe, this dish hits all the marks. Ideal for fans of easy recipes, simple food ideas, and hearty one-pan dinners, it’s a must-add to your pasta rotation.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves minced
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
14 ounces crushed tomatoes
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne or rigatoni
Water and salt for boiling pasta
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Drizzle of olive oil or chili oil (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, reduce heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream, then return chicken to the pan. Let simmer 3–5 minutes.
7. Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, then drain.
8. Toss pasta into the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in Parmesan.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil, more cheese, and olive oil or chili oil. Serve warm.
Notes
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Don’t forget to save pasta water — it’s key to a silky sauce!
Let cream come to room temperature to avoid curdling when added to the hot pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, tomato pasta, weeknight recipe