Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken and pasta combined in a rich tomato-basil cream sauce with 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions 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 pieces with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the 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. Simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
07 - Stir in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Velvety sauce coats each bite
  • Satisfying and quick enough for busy nights
02 -
  • Contains milk (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (pasta)
  • Check labels if allergic to nuts or soy in packaged sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
  • Tear basil by hand for more flavor
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