This Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! Juicy chicken pieces swim in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Yum!
What I love is how quick this dish comes together—it’s perfect for busy nights. Just toss everything in, and dinner’s ready in no time! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the sauce nicely, but any pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle works well too. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions are great if you want healthier options!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts add lean protein. You could swap them with thighs for a bit more flavor or even use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the sauce base. If you can’t find crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or tomato puree will also work fine. You can even use fresh tomatoes blended if you’re in the mood!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard can be great alternatives, or you can even use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen one before using!
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly in This Recipe?
Cooking the chicken correctly ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet.
- Use medium-high heat and let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve a nice sear.
- Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Make sure it’s cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is ideal.
- Once cooked, remove it promptly from the skillet to avoid overcooking.
Following these steps will help you get that tender, juicy chicken every time! Enjoy the cooking process, and happy eating!
Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta With Tender
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients and 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning along with some additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This will create that delicious, rich sauce!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken and add the fresh spinach to the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
7. Toss in the Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in that creamy tomato sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
Bon Appétit! 🍽️
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative that adds extra fiber to your dish. Just be sure to watch the cooking time, as it might take a minute or two longer than regular pasta.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, you can skip the chicken and replace it with more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add some chickpeas for added protein!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy consistency. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or cashew cream!
