Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Creamy Roasted Tomato Chicken Pasta is not just another pasta recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes, the richness of creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken in one mouthwatering meal. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will prepare the oven for roasting the cherry tomatoes, enhancing their flavor.
- While the oven is heating, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the tomatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Once the oven is preheated, roast the tomatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly caramelized. This will concentrate their sweetness and add depth to the dish.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, allowing the cream to warm through for about 2 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove the roasted cherry tomatoes from the oven and gently fold them into the creamy chicken sauce. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy roasted tomato chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
Tips
- Roasting Tomatoes: The key to intense flavor is not rushing the roasting process. Make sure your tomatoes get those beautiful caramelized edges for maximum sweetness.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Cut chicken into uniform dice to ensure even cooking. Medium heat is crucial to achieve a golden brown exterior without drying out the meat.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan cheese off the direct heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Fresh Herb Finishing: The fresh basil isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Consistency is Key: If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy texture.Pro Tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap chicken with shrimp or make it vegetarian by using roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 160mg
