Chicken and Tomato Sauce with Basil and Pine Nuts on Pasta
Savor the comforting flavors of this Chicken and Tomato Sauce with Basil and Pine Nuts on Pasta, a dish that perfectly balances richness and freshness. Succulent chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to golden perfection before being nestled in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce made with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and a hint of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while al dente pasta becomes the perfect canvas for this hearty, yet elegant, dish. Topped with optional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, ready in just 50 minutes. From its fragrant aroma to its satisfying texture, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, set aside, and tent with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and add the chopped basil, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the tomato sauce uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and add it back to the skillet with the tomato sauce to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water.
Serve the pasta topped with toasted pine nuts, additional chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
491 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.2 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 82 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 880 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.3 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 39.5 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 177 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 841 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
