Description
Rustic chicken tomato pasta brings Italian countryside charm to home kitchens. Mediterranean flavors combine simply, inviting passionate cooks to savor complex yet uncomplicated culinary delights you’ll treasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 300 grams (10.5 ounces) boneless chicken breast, diced
- 400 grams (14 ounces) canned diced tomatoes
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Ingredients:
- 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes, ensuring even cooking.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping the skillet’s flavorful remnants.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, about 3 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds.
- Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet, blending with tomato paste and aromatic herbs. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a rich sauce for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream, creating a velvety texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken into the sauce, allowing it to warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors for 4-5 minutes.
- Gently fold the prepared pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated with the robust tomato cream mixture.
- Plate the pasta, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente for the perfect texture, avoiding mushy noodles by checking package instructions and tasting during cooking.
- Dry chicken thoroughly before searing to achieve a golden-brown crust, preventing steaming and ensuring maximum flavor development.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish’s taste complexity.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 328 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg