A creamy, comforting pasta dish made with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender chicken, a rich tomato basil sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan for a crowd-pleaser that's as easy as it is satisfying.

Quick Summary Table

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings Difficulty Special Features
10 minutes 15 minutes 25 minutes 4 Easy One-pot, customizable

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Grated parmesan for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Add the cream and basil to the sauce, stirring well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix.
  5. Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  6. Serve: Divide among plates and garnish with grated parmesan and extra basil, if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fat: 18 g

Tips & Variations

  • Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for variety.
  • Vegan Version: Replace cream with coconut milk and chicken with tofu or more veggies.
  • Add Greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for extra nutrition.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

Enjoy this easy, satisfying meal and let it become your go-to for a quick dinner fix!

, Less Time , Recipes