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Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Tomato Pasta

weeknightitaliancomfort food
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundboneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ·salt
  • ·black pepper
  • ·all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoonolive oil
  • 3 clovegarlic
  • 1 can (28 oz)canned crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cupheavy cream
  • 1 teaspoondried oregano
  • 12 ouncepasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • ½ cupparmesan cheese

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 3 cloves garlic.

  2. 02

    Grate 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.

Method

  1. 01

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.

  2. 02

    While water heats, pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess.

  3. 03

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken and sear for 6–7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.

  4. 04

    Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

  5. 05

    Pour in crushed tomatoes and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. 06

    Stir in heavy cream and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

  7. 07

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and top with parmesan cheese before serving.

Spice Tips

For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. A handful of fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the dish. If you like a deeper savor, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste before adding the cream.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Leftovers keep for 3 days in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth.

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