Description
A creamy, comforting pasta dinner featuring tender chicken, garlic, and herbs in a tomato-Parmesan cream sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne or your favorite shape)
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Sear until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add diced tomatoes with juices and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
4. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and mix until coated. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Adjust spice with chili flakes for a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, tomato cream pasta, easy weeknight dinner