Creamy Tomato Pasta with Grilled Chicken Strips
A comforting and satisfying dinner featuring tender pasta coated in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, topped with perfectly grilled chicken breast strips. This dish is designed for a beginner cook and makes for a complete and balanced evening meal.
Ingredients
- •12 oz (about 340g) penne or rotini pasta
- •2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- •1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for chicken
- •1 small onion, finely chopped
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- •1/2 cup chicken broth
- •1/2 cup heavy cream
- •1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- •1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- •Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- •Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 2
Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from pan, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- 3
Start the sauce: In the same pot used for pasta (or a separate large skillet), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Finish the sauce and combine: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately, topped with the grilled chicken strips and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
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