This Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! The tender chicken and creamy tomato sauce blend perfectly with the pasta for a comforting meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that comes together in one pot? I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. It just makes everything feel a bit fancy! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love penne for its perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce. If you don’t have penne, you could use rigatoni, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here. But if you have shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist, it all works! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and delicious. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes, just chop them up. Just make sure they’re ripe for good flavor!
Heavy Cream: This gives that creamy texture. If you’d like a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a non-dairy alternative. It will change the flavor slightly, but it’s still tasty!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds great color and nutrition! You can swap it for kale or arugula, or even skip it if you don’t have any greens on hand.
How Do You Cook Chicken So It’s Tender?
Cooking chicken tenderly is key for this dish! To achieve that juicy texture, follow these steps:
- Slice your chicken breasts thinly; this helps them cook quickly and remain tender.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps to sear and lock in moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to get that nice golden color without steaming them.
- Season your chicken well with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor!
By paying attention to these details, your chicken will come out perfectly tender in no time!
Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta With Tender
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 30 minutes to make! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, while the chicken and sauce come together in about 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook until it’s al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 11 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you get the sauce ready.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant—just be careful not to burn it! Then pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken a bit.
4. Finish the Sauce:
Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything combines into a creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then add the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down. Finally, toss the drained pasta into the skillet and mix it all together, ensuring every piece of penne is coated in that delicious creamy tomato sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta hot! Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Enjoy the rich, flavorful goodness!
Dig in and savor every bite of your tender Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta! It’s a truly comforting dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly! 🍝
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Creamy Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the tomatoes for the best results.
