A hearty, soul-warming dish that combines juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky tomato-cream sauce. It’s rich yet balanced, easy enough for weeknights, but special enough to impress guests.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Velvety Sauce – Creamy tomato base with just the right tang.
- Protein-Packed – Tender, juicy chicken adds heartiness.
- One-Pot Comfort – Easy to make and perfect for family dinners.
- Customizable – Works with penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil & oregano)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds warmth)
- 1 (14 oz / 400g) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside (reserve ½ cup pasta water).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through (6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add onion and cook until soft (3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cream & Cheese
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth and velvety.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Toss in pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or use spicy Italian seasoning.
- Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Lighter option: Swap cream with milk or Greek yogurt.
- Cheesy upgrade: Top with mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
