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 pasta when I needed something cozy yet simple for a weeknight dinner and it became an instant favorite for its comforting flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 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
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 100 g (3.5 oz), packed in oil drained and sliced
- Fresh basil leaves: 1 handful (about 20 g), 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: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Dairy:
- Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Combine Each Part:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, heat through for 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Save My family always requests this creamy tomato basil chicken pasta for birthday dinners and the aroma of simmering tomatoes with fresh basil brings everyone to the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, colander
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (pasta). May contain traces of nuts or soy if using store-bought sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan. Always check labels for allergies or dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 38 g
Save This creamy tomato basil chicken pasta is perfect for quick comforting meals. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a final touch.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal choices as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, enhancing every bite.
- → Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?
Fresh basil offers a vibrant aroma and flavor best suited here, but dried basil can be used in smaller amounts if needed.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Adding reserved pasta water gradually while stirring helps loosen the sauce to a smooth consistency.
- → Is it possible to use a different protein?
Yes, shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms make excellent alternatives to chicken for varied tastes.
- → What is the best way to enhance the sauce’s flavor?
Sautéing onions and garlic until translucent before adding tomatoes helps build depth, and a splash of white wine can add complexity.