Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Quick-cooking pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce, with tender pieces of pre-cooked chicken and a side of fresh green salad.

• Prep: 10 min
• Cook: 20 min
• Total: 30 min
• Servings: 2
• Cuisine: Italian
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: $3.46/serving

Dietary

• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Low-Sugar
• High-Protein

Tags

• quick
• comfort food

Ingredients

• 4 ounce penne pasta (dry)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 14.5 ounce crushed tomatoes
• 0.25 cup light cream cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 4 ounce pre-cooked chicken breast (sliced)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 ounce mixed greens salad (bagged)
• 2 tablespoon Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese until completely melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Add the sliced pre-cooked chicken breast and chopped fresh basil to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the drained cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Serve the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta immediately. Toss the mixed greens salad with Italian dressing and serve alongside the pasta.

Notes

For an even quicker meal, use jarred pasta sauce and stir in the cream cheese. If fresh basil isn't available, 1 teaspoon of dried basil can be used.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 700
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 56.5 g
• Fat: 33.5 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg