Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe : Ready in 30 Minutes!

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Are you searching for quick dinner ideas that deliver restaurant-quality results without the hassle? This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is your answer to busy weeknight cooking. Combining tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dinner dish the whole family will request again and again.

Perfect for those evenings when you need easy weeknight dinners that come together fast, this pasta recipe requires just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s one of those versatile dinner ideas for family gatherings that works equally well for lazy dinners at home or when you’re entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

This recipe stands out among dinner ideas recipes for several compelling reasons:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients, ideal for cheap dinners for a family
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and mild flavors appeal to even picky eaters
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and can be adapted for healthy dinner ideas
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time relaxing after dinner
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your family’s preferences and dietary needs

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this delicious supper idea:

Equipment Needed

To prepare this recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A quality frying pan is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked chicken and developing the rich sauce. You’ll also want reliable kitchen utensils for stirring and serving, a sturdy cutting board for prep work, and sharp chef’s knives for slicing the chicken. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons set for accurate ingredient portions and quality pots for cooking your pasta perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking 2 cups of dry penne pasta according to the package instructions. Use a large pot filled with salted water. Once cooked al dente, drain using a colander strainer basket and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, slice your chicken breasts into 3-inch cubes using sharp chef’s knives on a clean cutting board. Transfer the chicken pieces to a mixing bowl and season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons flour. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat your frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add the seasoned chicken cubes. Cook for approximately 7 minutes, turning occasionally with kitchen utensils, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same frying pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the pressed garlic (use a garlic press for easy prep) and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and 1.5 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in 1.5 cups of cooking cream, ½ cup chicken broth, and ½ cup tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly as it simmers.

Step 6: Add Greens and Cheese

Once your sauce is simmering, add the fresh spinach in batches (you may need to add it gradually as it wilts down to make room). Stir in ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together using kitchen utensils until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

Plate your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Chicken Perfection: Don’t overcrowd your frying pan when cooking chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.

Pasta Timing: Cook your pasta al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce.

Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. If too thick, add reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic pressed with a garlic press rather than pre-minced for better flavor.

Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit various preferences and dietary needs:

• Protein Swaps: Try turkey, shrimp, or even Italian sausage instead of chicken
• Pasta Options: Substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta
• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat
• Veggie Boost: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold, so add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop in a frying pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle works wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, add more vegetables, and reduce the butter. This makes it one of the best healthy dinner ideas without sacrificing flavor.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then cook fresh pasta and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What can I serve with this pasta?
A: A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! The creamy sauce and mild flavors make this one of the best kid friendly dinners. You can always adjust seasonings to suit young palates.

Nutritional Benefits

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta offers substantial nutritional value:

• Protein: Chicken breast provides lean protein essential for muscle health
• Vitamins: Spinach and tomatoes deliver vitamins A, C, and K
• Calcium: Parmesan cheese contributes to bone health
• Fiber: Whole grain pasta option adds dietary fiber
• Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes contain lycopene and other beneficial compounds

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

Among dinner dishes and supper ideas, this recipe excels because it balances convenience with quality. As one of the most practical easy weeknight dinners, it requires minimal prep work, uses common pantry ingredients, and delivers impressive results that satisfy both adults and children.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy techniques or expensive ingredients to create something memorable. With just a reliable frying pan, basic kitchen utensils, and fresh ingredients, you can serve a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

For families seeking cheap dinners for a family that don’t sacrifice nutrition or taste, this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta hits the sweet spot. It’s economical, filling, and uses affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta proves that lazy dinners don’t have to mean boring dinners. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re adding it to your rotation of dinner ideas for family meals or simply need reliable quick dinner ideas for those hectic evenings, this dish won’t disappoint.

The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates layers of flavor that make this more than just another pasta recipe. It’s become a staple in kitchens across America for good reason it works every single time.

Ready to make dinner time easier and more delicious? Give this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta a try tonight and discover why it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular dinner ideas recipes online!

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe : Ready in 30 Minutes!

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Transform your weeknight with this irresistible Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta! Tender chicken breast meets al dente penne in a luscious creamy tomato sauce loaded with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy families seeking quick, delicious, and kid-friendly meals.

• Author: Marie
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

2 cups dry penne pasta cooked according to package instructions

1 lb chicken breasts boneless, skinless

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoon flour

4 tablespoon butter divided

4 cloves garlic pressed

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1.5 tablespoon italian seasoning blend

1.5 cups cooking cream

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup tomato sauce

3 cups spinach or about 3 large handfuls

¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded (plus additional for serving)

Fresh basil for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. While the pasta is cooking, slice chicken breasts into 3 inch cubes, add them to a large mixing bowl and season with salt, black pepper and flour.

3. In a hot pan, add half of the butter. Once butter is melted, add chicken breast and cook for about 7 minutes until the insides are no longer pink in colour. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

4. To the same pan, add the remaining butter and garlic. Saute garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes), add in cherry tomatoes and spices and cook until tomatoes begin to soften (about 3-4 minutes). Pour in cream, chicken broth and tomato sauce, and bring to a simmer.

5. Once simmering, add in spinach and parmesan cheese and stir (this may need to be done in batches to allow room for all of the spinach). Once spinach is wilted, add the cooked chicken and pasta, stir and serve with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken.

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Fresh Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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