Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta
Try this Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta recipe.
Try this Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta recipe.
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- chicken:
- pasta:
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- creamy tomato sauce:
- 1 yellow onion roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut cream
- 1 pound penne (i used gluten free)
- 4 chicken thighs (with skin)
- 2 cups crimini mushrooms quartered
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (or blanched fresh peas)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional or you could use chicken brot
- Carbohydrate 2.18467500047382 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.97721000080394 g
- Fiber 1.03439998949888 g
- Protein 1.32997500014132 g
- Saturated Fat 0.289046500117954 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (154g)
- Sodium 77.6928500002006 mg
- Sugar 1.15027501097494 g
- Trans Fat 0.129580500033201 g
- Calories 28 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- For the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and the onions. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions have softened and lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to the jar of a blender and add the fresh basil leaves. Puree the sauce on high until smooth and season to taste with kosher salt.
- Transfer the sauce back to the pot and stir in the coconut cream and oregano, then season again with kosher salt. Put a lid on the pot and turn the heat to low.
- For the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne about ¾ of the time on the package. Then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- For the Chicken: Heat a large heavy pan or skillet over high heat. Salt the chicken thighs. Place the thighs, skin side down in the hot pan. Turn the heat to medium high and cook until you get a nice sear on the skin and it is golden brown and much of the fat has rendered from the skin, 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onions and the mushrooms to the pan and let them cook in the chicken fat.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the pan and set aside on a dish.
- Transfer the onions and mushrooms to the sauce.
- Pour the pasta into the pot and toss with the sauce, onions and mushrooms. Add the peas.
- Pour the pasta into the skillet and then nestle the four chicken thighs into the pasta, skin side up.
- Pour the white wine over the pasta.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta has nice crusty golden edges to it.
- Serve hot.
Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind of activity. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending to-do list at home, finding time for anything beyond the bare essentials feels like a luxury. Dinner, however, is non-negotiable. It's the one time of day when my family and I connect, sharing stories about our day over a delicious, home-cooked meal. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, satisfying. This Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a complete meal in one pan, requiring minimal prep time and leaving me with more time to enjoy the company of my family.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The creamy tomato sauce is bursting with flavor, a vibrant blend of sweet onions, fragrant garlic, and rich crushed tomatoes. A touch of fresh basil elevates the sauce, adding a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. The chicken thighs, baked until golden brown and juicy, are the star of the show. And the penne pasta, cooked just al dente, perfectly soaks up all that delicious sauce. The addition of sautéed mushrooms and peas adds a delightful textural contrast and a boost of nutrients. I often use gluten-free pasta to accommodate my daughter's dietary needs, and the dish works just as well. The recipe is easily adaptable; you can swap out the peas for other vegetables, like spinach or asparagus, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of white wine adds another layer of depth to the creamy tomato sauce.
This Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta isn't just a weeknight savior; it's a crowd-pleaser. I've made it for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even impromptu dinner parties, and it's always a hit. The recipe is so straightforward that even novice cooks can master it, and the results are always impressive. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones. This dish proves that delicious, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about using fresh, quality ingredients and letting their flavors shine through. So, the next time you're short on time but crave a comforting, flavorful meal, give this Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken and Pasta a try. I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. The happy faces around my dinner table are the best reward!
This recipe is a great example of how a simple dish can be both satisfying and efficient to make. The combination of flavors and textures is delightful. The creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and al dente pasta create a symphony of tastes that is sure to please the entire family. You don't need to be a professional chef to create this masterpiece. The straightforward instructions and easily accessible ingredients make this dish accessible to everyone, regardless of their culinary experience. The flexibility of the recipe also makes it adaptable to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a spicier sauce, different vegetables, or a variation in the type of pasta, the possibilities are endless. This recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients that are expertly combined to create something truly extraordinary.
Beyond its culinary appeal, this dish holds a special place in my heart. It’s a recipe that embodies the spirit of home cooking: simple, nourishing, and filled with love. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is comforting and familiar, bringing back memories of family dinners past. It’s a recipe that I’ve adapted and tweaked over the years, each iteration reflecting the changing needs and preferences of my family. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of warmth, togetherness, and the enduring power of simple pleasures. It is a dish that represents my love for my family and my dedication to providing them with nourishing and delicious meals, even amidst the chaos of a busy life. The moments shared around the table, savoring each bite of this creamy tomato pasta, are priceless.
