This Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that’s creamy, rich, and filled with tender bites of chicken. The bright tomato sauce makes it even more enjoyable!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this comforting meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress a friend without stressing too much! 🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is great for holding onto the sauce, but you can use other pasta like rigatoni or fusilli. Just choose one that you love or have on hand!
Chicken: I recommend chicken breasts for their tenderness. However, you can swap them for thighs for more flavor, or go meatless with chickpeas or tofu!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut milk if you’re dairy-free. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You could substitute kale or even use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if that’s what you have!
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan is fantastic, consider using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and Juicy?
Cooking the chicken right is key for a great texture. Here’s how to ensure it stays tender:
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This helps with browning!
- Use medium-high heat initially to get a nice sear, then lower it if needed to finish cooking.
- Keep an eye on the color! Chicken is done when it’s golden and no longer pink inside.
By following these steps, you’ll have juicy chicken that complements your creamy tomato sauce perfectly!
Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta With Tender Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1⁄2 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta will take about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and another 15 minutes preparing the sauce and combining everything. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta into a colander and set it aside, but make sure to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to adjust your sauce later!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside for later.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and allow it to cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Making the Sauce:
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet along with the dried Italian seasoning and the optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld the flavors together.
5. Mixing in Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well-combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Final Touches:
Add the sautéed chicken back into the sauce along with the chopped spinach. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
7. Combining with Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
8. Serving:
Serve your delicious Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch!
This dish is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Enjoy every creamy and tender bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thoroughly thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker thawing. Be sure to pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add some protein-rich ingredients instead, like chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce before tossing it with the freshly cooked pasta.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
