This Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy texture and aromatic herbs create a delightful culinary experience that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Flavorful and satisfying: The combination of chicken, tomato, cream, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to make: This recipe is relatively simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Comfort food: The creamy texture and rich flavors make this pasta dish a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 400g pasta (penne)
- 300g chicken breast (cubed)
- 200g tomato puree
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooking cream
- 80ml white wine
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp chicken spice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp oregano
- All-in-one seasoning salt (to your liking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. To prevent sticking, toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil. Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, meaning “to the tooth,” slightly firm when bitten. This ensures it holds its shape and texture when combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Season the cubed chicken breast with paprika, chicken spice, and garlic pepper seasoning. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for a well-rounded flavor. Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking can enhance the taste further, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat.
Step 3: In a large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and pan-fry until nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than browned chicken. Work in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sweat the onion until softened and translucent, which means cooking it gently without browning. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Sweating the onion releases its natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the sauce. Pour in the white wine and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. The wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Step 5: Add the tomato puree and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cherry tomatoes have softened. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer and more intense tomato base. Stir in the cooking cream, oregano, and all-in-one seasoning salt. Adjust the amount of seasoning salt to your liking, tasting as you go. The cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The longer the chicken simmers in the sauce, the more flavorful it becomes.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the chicken and tomato sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta. Cook for a few more minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve the Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma, while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty and savory finish.
Cooking Rating:
- Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
- Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of cooking cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 35 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and creamy texture creates a culinary experience that’s sure to impress. With its easy preparation and customizable nature, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special gathering, this Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta is a guaranteed success. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for penne, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine, rotini, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables instead. Some great options include mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the sauce and chicken, and combine everything together. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to thin it out.
Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. The cream-based sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy after freezing. If you do choose to freeze it, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Q5: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for the fresh cherry tomatoes. Use about 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. If using diced tomatoes, you may want to crush them slightly with a spoon or fork before adding them to the pan to help them break down and create a smoother sauce. Canned tomatoes will still provide a delicious flavor, although the fresh cherry tomatoes offer a slightly sweeter and more vibrant taste.
