Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and pasta coated in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 3.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
07 - 1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

→ Dairy

08 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry & Seasoning

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and chili flakes if using. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen consistency.
06 - Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to thoroughly coat with the sauce.
07 - Stir in fresh basil, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Plate immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tender chicken and creamy tomato basil sauce create restaurant-quality flavor at home
  • One-pan sauce comes together quickly for a comforting weeknight dinner
02 -
  • This recipe contains milk and wheat
  • Check labels on sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan for possible allergens
03 -
  • Add a splash of white wine after sautéing onions for extra flavor
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired
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