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Easy Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight features a vibrant dish of perfectly cooked pasta tossed with juicy chicken and a rich tomato sauce, making it a quick and delicious meal.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's both comforting and flavorful. Featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, farfalle, or spaghetti
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil for garnish optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet or pot
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce, add the Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or cream cheese for a different texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to prevent drying out. Salt the pasta water generously to ensure the pasta is flavorful. Al dente pasta is best for this recipe.