Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta
Ever crave a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh flavors? This Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta is my go-to for those nights when I need a hug in a bowl. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with fragrant basil and tender chicken, coats perfectly cooked pasta for a truly satisfying meal. This easy chicken pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
I’ve been making variations of this pasta for years, tweaking it until I landed on this perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait to share it with you. This Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta recipe is a winner!
How to Make It
First, we’ll get the chicken going. We’ll season it generously and sauté it in olive oil until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This adds a depth of flavor to the whole dish.
Next up is the star of the show: the creamy tomato sauce. We’ll start with a base of onions and garlic, sautéed until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and a touch of heavy cream for richness. A generous handful of fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cream.
Once the sauce is simmering and the flavors have melded together, we’ll toss in the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken. We’ll make sure everything is nicely coated in the sauce and then finish it off with more fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. It’s a simple process that yields incredibly delicious results.
Make Ahead Recipe Method
You can prepare the tomato sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and chicken, then combine everything. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. The pasta should have a slight bite to it.
- Use fresh basil: Dried basil won’t give you the same vibrant flavor. If you absolutely must use dried, use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh.
- Adjust the cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use less cream or substitute with half-and-half or even milk (though the sauce will be thinner).
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking. Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process.
- Shredded Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tools For This Recipe
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Alternative Instructions:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Serve the Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
