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–+ servings
Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta in a pot
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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta recipe is a super easy and delicious weeknight meal for busy families and can be made is less than 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Mariam Ezzeddine

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb rotini pasta cooked al dente
  • 1 lb chicken tenders thinly sliced (can use breasts)
  • 2 cups of diced cherry tomatoes (can use one can of diced tomatoes)
  • 1 small-medium onion finely diced
  • 1 1/2 tsp. fresh crack black pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsps. fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • 1 tsp. salt to taste
  • 2 tbsps. olive oil

Instructions

  • Start cooking the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Save 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Prepare ingredients: Dice the onions and cherry tomatoes, slice the chicken, mince the garlic and chop the basil.
  • In a skillet, heat up one tablespoon of olive oil and cooked the slices of chicken until they are almost fully cooked and obtain a nice crispy gold color on each side.Typically takes 3-5 minutes because they are thin.  Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add one more tablespoon of olive oil and cook the diced onions until they are translucent.
  • Add in the diced tomatoes and garlic. Stir to cook for a minute of 1 minutes then add in the salt, black pepper, paprika, heavy cream, milk and pasta water.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes then add in the cooked chicken. Stir and let everything cook together for 2 more minutes.
  • At this point, add in the grated parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh chopped basil.
  • Stir and cook on low for 2 minutes then add in the cooked pasta. Mix everything very well together so the pasta gets coated with the sauce.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes and then remove from heat. You can grate some fresh parmesan cheese on top for garnishing or toss some chopped or whole basil leaves on top.

Notes

  • Get your pasta cooking first, and prep your other ingredients will it cooks.
  • Bring the water to a rapid boil and be sure to add the pasta to boiling water.
  • As soon as you drop in the pasta be sure to give it a good stir, this prevents the pasta from sticking.
  • Always make sure there's enough water for the pasta to move around freely.
  • Drain your pasta but don't let it dry out. Allow the pasta to drain in a sieve or colander but don't let it sit out too long and dry off, this will cause it to get too clumpy.
  • You can use chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breast.
  • Make sure to cut your chicken into similar sized pieces, so they cook evenly.
  • Don't buy pre-shredded cheese, ideally shred your own as it melts better.
  • You can grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top for garnishing or toss some chopped or whole basil leaves on top.
  • Ideally use fresh basil not dried because it gives it such an amazing flavor
  • Use gluten free pasta to make gluten free.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 657kcal | Carbohydrates: 65.1g | Protein: 33.2g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 11.3g | Sodium: 1394.3mg | Sugar: 8.7g