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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal. The chicken provides protein, while the penne pasta gives you a hearty base. Olive oil and garlic add rich flavors that make every bite special. The sauce is creamy and smooth. The crushed tomatoes make it tangy, and the heavy cream brings richness. Parmesan cheese adds a salty punch. This mix creates a perfect balance in taste. Fresh spinach and basil brighten the dish. They add color and a fresh taste. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes gives you control over the heat. You can adjust it to suit your taste. With these simple ingredients, you can make a satisfying meal in no time. They are easy to find and fun to work with. You will love how they transform into a creamy tomato basil chicken pasta feast. 1. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. 3. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water. 4. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. 5. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. Season both chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 2. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 3. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. 4. Ensure the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. 5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing. 1. In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. 2. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until it smells nice. 3. Pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and bring it to a simmer. 4. Let it cook for about five minutes to blend the flavors. 5. Lower the heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 6. Allow the sauce to simmer for another five minutes until creamy and smooth. 1. Add two cups of fresh spinach and a quarter cup of chopped basil to the sauce. 2. Stir until the spinach wilts down. 3. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. 4. Toss the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken in the creamy sauce. 5. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. To make a great sauce, you need to adjust the seasoning. Taste your sauce as you cook. Adding salt and pepper can enhance the flavor. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick! Heat levels matter too. When you add cream, lower the heat. This prevents the cream from curdling. A gentle simmer helps blend all the flavors well. Let it bubble softly for a creamy texture. To keep your chicken juicy, watch the cooking time. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer if you can. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps the juices stay inside. Then slice it just before adding it to the pasta. This way, your chicken stays moist and tasty. Don’t be afraid to try different pasta types! Penne is great, but you can use fusilli or rigatoni. Each shape holds the sauce differently. If you need gluten-free options, try rice pasta or chickpea pasta. They work well in this dish. Just follow package instructions for cooking times. Enjoy your meal without worry! {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for turkey or shrimp. Both proteins work well in this dish. For a lighter touch, use turkey. It’s lean and still very tasty. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice texture. If you want to replace heavy cream, try using Greek yogurt. It gives creaminess with less fat. Coconut milk is another option. It adds a unique flavor while keeping it rich. To boost flavor, add mushrooms or bell peppers. Sauté mushrooms until golden for an earthy taste. Bell peppers add sweetness and color to your dish. You can also experiment with different herbs. Try thyme or oregano for a new twist. Fresh parsley or chives can brighten up the sauce too. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add more veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for protein. This keeps the dish hearty and filling. If you want a low-carb version, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles. They soak up the sauce nicely and reduce carbs. Cauliflower rice is another great choice for a light meal. To keep your creamy tomato basil chicken pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent air exposure and keeps flavors intact. - Duration: You can safely eat the leftovers for up to 3 days. After that, freshness may decline. When reheating, you want to keep the pasta tasty and not soggy. Here’s how: - Microwave Method: Heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to ensure even heating. - Stovetop Method: Add a splash of water or cream in a pan. Heat over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the sauce creamy. If you want to store pasta longer, freezing is a great option. Here’s how to do it: - Packing: Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave space for expansion as it freezes. - Thawing: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Feel free to keep this creamy delight for those busy nights! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to thaw it first. The best way is to place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can put it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Cooking frozen chicken takes longer. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside for safety. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It gives a nice taste without using dairy. Always check your labels for dairy-free options. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. You can store it in airtight containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For reheating, use a microwave or skillet. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This blog covered a flavorful dish made with chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy sauce. You learned how to cook pasta, prepare chicken, and make a delicious sauce that brings everything together. We included tips for perfecting your dish, swapping ingredients, and storing leftovers effectively. Explore these steps and variations to find your favorite version. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy your tasty creations!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delicious dinner with this creamy tomato basil chicken pasta recipe that’s quick and easy to make! Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne, and a rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor from fresh basil and garlic. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests. Click to explore the full recipe and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz (225 g) penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

        Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

          Incorporate Spinach and Basil: Add the fresh spinach and chopped basil to the sauce, stirring until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

            Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

              Serve: Plate the pasta hot and garnish with additional basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4