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Chicken Tomato Pasta

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Pasta
  • 1 large chicken breast Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 8 ounces of penne Pasta rotini, or another pasta you enjoy.
  • 1 tablespoon for cooking the chicken Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper Season the chicken to taste.
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can Crushed tomatoes about 14 ounces, for the sauce.
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced.
  • ½ small onion Onion finely chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon for a simple herb flavor Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes Optional if you want a little heat.
  • Fresh basil Optional for serving.

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
  4. Cook the onion: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
  7. Season the sauce: Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Simmer the sauce: Let the tomato sauce gently simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors can develop.
  9. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir it into the tomato sauce.
  10. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
  11. Adjust the consistency: Add a small splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
  12. Add Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the warm sauce.
  13. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
  14. Finish and serve: Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired, then serve warm.