Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and pasta coated in a luscious creamy tomato and basil sauce with a hint of Parmesan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 3.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and sliced
07 - 1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

→ Dairy

08 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry & Seasoning

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Cook onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and chili flakes if using. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
06 - Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat with sauce.
07 - Stir in fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, heating through for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Transfer to plates and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Creamy, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and pasta
  • Adaptable to different dietary preferences and quick enough for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Contains milk and wheat
  • You can use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free substitutes if needed
03 -
  • Add a splash of white wine after sautéing onions for extra flavor
  • Swap chicken for shrimp or omit for a vegetarian version with mushrooms or zucchini
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