Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta – Penne works well here, but feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor.
- 20 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter – Combines with olive oil to create a silky base for cooking the chicken.
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast – Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped – For aromatic, savory undertones.
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes – Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – This blend infuses the dish with the traditional flavors of Italian herbs.
- 1 ½ cup (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata) – The base of the sauce, providing a smooth, slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 cup half and half (single cream) – Creates a creamy texture without the heaviness of heavy cream.
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan – Adds a nutty, salty flavor; freshly grated is best for a smooth finish.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – A finishing touch for freshness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Seasoning essentials to enhance every bite.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add salt, and cook the pasta al dente, according to package instructions. This keeps the pasta firm enough to hold its texture in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining, set aside 1–2 cups of pasta water. This starchy water can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sauté chicken: In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside if you need extra space to cook the aromatics.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- Cook onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step infuses the oil and butter with savory flavors.
- Spice it up: Add red chili flakes (if desired) to the pan and stir for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Season and add tomato sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the tomato sauce. Mix everything well, scraping any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Add cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half and half, stirring until well combined. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, thickening slightly.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken to the sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring to melt it into the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Garnish and season: Add freshly chopped parsley, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Flavor: The pasta is layered with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s savory and just a bit tangy. The chicken adds a hearty, protein-rich bite, and the Parmesan brings a touch of sharp saltiness.
- Texture: The pasta is perfectly al dente, holding up well in the sauce, while the chicken is tender yet firm, with a slight golden crust from browning.
- Aromas: The smell of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan creates a comforting, mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American