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Italian Chicken Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

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Flavorful Italian Chicken Pasta with tender chicken breast in rich tomato sauce, tossed with pasta and Parmesan. Easy weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to help the seasonings adhere.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  5. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with 6 cups of water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  6. Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
  7. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta unless you are not using it immediately.
  8. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (or a clean skillet), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  9. Add the Tomato Products: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  10. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
  11. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  12. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  13. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss gently to combine.
  14. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  15. Serve: Serve the Italian Chicken Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it al dente.
  • Simmering the sauce longer enhances its flavor.
  • Adjust seasonings to your taste.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
  • Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
  • For a creamier sauce, stir in heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.
  • The sauce and chicken can be made ahead of time.
  • The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/italian-chicken-pasta/