Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Sauce Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and your favorite pasta are coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, making for a comforting and easy meal.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Sometimes, you just need a hug in a bowl, and this Creamy Tomato Sauce Chicken Pasta delivers just that! It's the kind of dish that feels deeply satisfying, yet surprisingly simple to whip up on a busy weeknight. The velvety tomato sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and pasta, making every bite pure comfort. Get ready for a new family favorite!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 8 oz short pasta (like penne, rotini, or orecchiette)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 6
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion.
- If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, stirring it in at the same time as the pasta.
- A splash of pasta water can be added if the sauce seems too thick; it helps bind everything together.
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