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Delicious Chicken Pasta

This delightful dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce that is perfect for a family dinner. With a blend of fresh herbs and spices, this recipe offers a comforting meal that's both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil divided
For the Sauce
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz penne pasta or your choice
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large pan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan, allow to rest, and then slice into strips.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, and stir in the dried basil and oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
  5. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, then add the sliced chicken to the sauce. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Finally, combine the pasta with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be easily modified to include seasonal vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. The dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It also pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.