Save A luscious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil for a comforting, flavorful meal.
I first made this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta on a rainy evening when we needed some comfort food. The basil and chicken come together with a luscious sauce that always transports me back to that cozy night in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or fettuccine pasta
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) canned
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: 100 g (3.5 oz), packed in oil, drained and sliced
- Fresh Basil: 1 handful (about 20 g) leaves, torn or chopped
- Heavy Cream: 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp)
- Parmesan Cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup) freshly grated
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Chili Flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and chili flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish with basil:
- Stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Save My family always requests this dish at Sunday dinner, and we love sharing laughs around the table while twirling up those creamy noodles.
Required Tools
You will need a large pot, a large skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, colander, and a wooden spoon or spatula to make this pasta recipe easily at home.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk (cream, Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). If using store-bought sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan, check for traces of nuts or soy.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save Serve this creamy tomato basil chicken pasta hot with extra grated cheese. It makes any night a little more special.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal choices as they hold the creamy tomato sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- → Can the chicken be substituted for a different protein?
Yes, shrimp can be used instead of chicken, or the dish can be made vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired creamy texture is reached.
- → What adds the fresh herb flavor in this dish?
Fresh basil leaves are added towards the end of cooking to enhance the sauce with a bright aromatic note.
- → Is this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
This dish contains dairy and wheat, but gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Always check ingredient sources for allergens.