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Tomato Cream Cheese Pasta with Chicken and Pancetta

Tomato Cream Cheese Pasta with Chicken and Pancetta
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Tomato Cream Cheese Pasta with Chicken and Pancetta is a quick, savory, and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a luscious tomato and cream cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a rich, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, featuring balanced flavors from fresh herbs and optional Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 4 oz pancetta, diced

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)

Pasta and Oils

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  2. Cook the Pancetta: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crisp and golden brown. Remove pancetta from skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté Chicken and Aromatics: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and slice into bite-sized pieces. In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with onions and garlic. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Reduce heat, then add softened cream cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and pancetta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling better to the pasta.
  • Cook chicken just until no longer pink to ensure tenderness and juiciness.
  • Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps and create a silky sauce.
  • Cook pancetta until very crispy for added texture and intense flavor without greasiness.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to balance salt, acidity, and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato cream cheese pasta, chicken pasta, pancetta pasta, quick dinner, creamy tomato sauce, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/tomato-cream-cheese-pasta-with-chicken-and-pancetta/