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Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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This comforting chicken parmesan pasta dish combines creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken and al dente penne, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
  • 1 cup half and half (single cream)
  • ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the chicken: In a deep pan over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Add the cubed chicken, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add aromatics: Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and (if using) red chili flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens.
  4. Build the sauce: Mix in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Make it creamy: Lower the heat and gradually introduce the half and half. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken without boiling.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss in the cooked penne, ensuring it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts.
  7. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to swap out the penne for your favorite pasta shape, or use low-fat cream for a lighter version.

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