Are you looking for a dinner that is both comforting and easy to make? This creamy tomato chicken pasta is the perfect choice! It brings together tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and your favorite pasta for a meal that feels special but comes together quickly. It is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, satisfying everyone at the table with its wonderful flavors.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Step By Step Making
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Before draining, remember to save about one cup of the pasta cooking water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half and half and the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the cooked and drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, if you like. Enjoy your comforting and delicious dinner!
Nutritional Value
For one serving of creamy tomato chicken pasta, you can expect the following approximate nutritional values:
- Protein: About 40 grams
- Calories: Around 550 calories
- Carbs: Approximately 60 grams
Health Benefits
This creamy tomato chicken pasta offers several health benefits. The chicken breast provides a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health. While it is a comforting meal, using whole grain pasta can increase its fiber content, aiding in digestion. This meal combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dinner option that balances indulgence with essential nutrients.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by umernews.com for general informational purposes only.