Save to Pinterest Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a luscious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil for a comforting flavorful meal.
I first made this dish for a cozy dinner at home, and it became an instant family favorite because of how the creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta and chicken.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless skinless (about 400 g) cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or fettuccine
- 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: 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
- Cook 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:
- Meanwhile 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 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic:
- In the same skillet add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes sun-dried tomatoes dried oregano and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream and Parmesan:
- 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:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Add basil and finish:
- Stir in the fresh basil adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and heat through for 1 minute.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest Our kids love helping to tear the basil leaves and sprinkle cheese over the pasta right before serving turning dinner into a fun family ritual.
Recipe Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp or omit the chicken entirely for a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread or enjoy with a glass of Pinot Grigio for a complete Italian-American meal.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: 620 calories 27 g total fat 58 g carbohydrates 38 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This creamy tomato basil chicken pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser & perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy every bite with your favorite company!
Ask About This Recipe
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy tomato sauce well, but any medium-cut pasta can be used.
- → Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be substituted but should be peeled and crushed to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.
- → How do I keep chicken tender and juicy?
Cook the chicken pieces on medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through, then return them to the sauce to stay moist.
- → What can I add to adjust the sauce consistency?
Adding reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and keeps it creamy without losing flavor.
- → Are there vegetarian variations suggested?
Yes, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
- → How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor?
They add a concentrated sweetness and umami depth, complementing the creamy tomato base.