Description
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your creamy tomato chicken pasta!
#ChickenPasta #CreamyTomatoDelight
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow these detailed steps. Begin by salting your pasta water generously. While the pasta cooks, prepare your mise en place: dice the chicken, mince the garlic, and measure your seasonings and sauces. When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and chicken to get a proper sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. After removing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits, before adding the garlic. This builds flavor into your sauce. When combining the marinara and cream, lower the heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir constantly until fully incorporated before adding the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or garlic bread are excellent choices. To elevate the presentation, garnish with not just parsley and Parmesan, but also a crack of fresh black pepper and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together by cooking pasta, searing seasoned chicken, and creating a creamy tomato sauce in the same pan. The key is building layers of flavor: sear the chicken, use the fond (browned bits) for the sauce base, and gently combine the marinara and cream. Finally, toss everything together to coat evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs will yield a juicier, more flavorful result due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time as needed until fully cooked.
How can I make this recipe lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Note the sauce will be less rich and thick.
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it? Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Add it back to the skillet, a few tablespoons at a time, until your desired sauce consistency is reached.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, but store them separately from the pasta. Reheat the sauce gently, adding a little cream or water, then combine with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.
What can I use instead of marinara? A can of crushed tomatoes seasoned with a pinch of sugar, dried basil, and oregano works perfectly. Simmer for 10 minutes before adding the cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Diced chicken cooks quickly. Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s no longer pink inside to keep it tender.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: Always reduce the heat before stirring in the Parmesan to prevent it from clumping or becoming greasy.
- Rinsing the Pasta: Never rinse your cooked pasta. The starch helps the creamy sauce adhere to each noodle.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grate your Parmesan for a smoother melt.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comforting, restaurant-quality food made simple at home. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious and impressive weeknight meal. Its versatility allows for easy substitutions, ensuring you can enjoy this creamy delight any night of the week. Don’t forget to garnish generously and enjoy the delicious results of your cooking.