Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce

This dish is a delightful choice for those looking for a creamy chicken pasta recipe with a rich tomato-based sauce. Crafted with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a hint of white wine, it offers a perfect balance of flavors. The step-by-step instructions ensure consistent results, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties or quick family meals. Pair it with garlic bread or a light salad for a full dining experience. Perfect for fans of homemade pasta dishes that combine simplicity with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 3/4 lb linguine or fettuccine
• Salt and 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking pasta)

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (2 medium) chicken breasts, trimmed
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 6 Roma tomatoes, diced (plus more for garnish, if desired)
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp hot chili flakes (optional; omit for a child-friendly version)
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus more for serving)
• 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

For Serving:

• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional diced Roma tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Boil salted water in a large pot. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Trim the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Sear the chicken on one side for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same pan (do not rinse), add diced tomatoes, green onion, chili flakes, basil, garlic, and butter over medium-high heat. Stir well and season with 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste).
• Pour in the wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and most of the wine has evaporated, leaving about 1/4 cup liquid.
• Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 tsp salt (or adjust to taste). Mix well.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Add the sliced chicken back into the pan and let it warm through for 2 minutes. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, additional diced tomatoes, and basil if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: A perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory ingredients.
• Restaurant Quality: Delivers a gourmet experience right at home.
• Versatile: Suitable for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted for spice levels and dietary preferences.

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Tips

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in the juices.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Don’t Overheat the Cream: Stir the cream into the sauce over low heat to prevent curdling.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood version.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Pasta Alternatives: Swap linguine with penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta.
• No Wine: Replace wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes, substitute with a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes for convenience.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A: You can use 1 tsp of dried basil instead.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.
• Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes for extra heat if desired.