Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and fresh basil in a rich, creamy tomato sauce tossed with pasta for a hearty meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
07 - About 20 g (handful) fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

→ Dairy

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

→ Pantry & Seasoning

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

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup 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. 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 skillet. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and optional chili flakes. Allow to simmer gently for 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to adjust consistency.
06 - Return cooked chicken to skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly with sauce.
07 - Stir in fresh basil leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with extra basil and Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Creamy and comforting texture
  • Quick to prepare for busy weeknights
02 -
  • This recipe contains milk and wheat
  • Check ingredient labels if you have allergies or dietary restrictions
03 -
  • Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor after sautéing onions
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs
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