Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a vibrant creamy tomato sauce, and your favorite pasta shape.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Sometimes, you just need a big bowl of comforting pasta, and this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta delivers every single time! It's hearty, satisfying, and comes together with familiar ingredients for a delicious meal that feels a little bit fancy but is wonderfully easy to make.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 5
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Don't skip the reserved pasta water; it helps thin the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth if you like a little heat.
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