Save 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 when I wanted something both cozy and a little bit fancy without much fuss. The combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil makes it a regular favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (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 (packed in oil): 100 g (3.5 oz), drained and sliced
- Fresh basil leaves: 1 handful (about 20 g), torn or chopped
- Heavy cream: 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Chili flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black 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.
- Sauté 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.
- Cook 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 the 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 Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Save My family loves when I serve this pasta on Sunday evenings. It always brings everyone around the table quickly, eager for second helpings and good conversation.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, colander
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620 Protein: 38 g Carbohydrates: 58 g Total Fat: 27 g
Serving & Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version, and serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal.
Save Enjoy this creamy tomato basil chicken pasta with plenty of fresh basil on top. The leftovers taste even better the next day!
Kitchen Questions
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat until just golden and cooked through to retain moisture without drying out.
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, penne or fettuccine work well, but feel free to substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your preference.
- → What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce while preserving its creamy texture.
- → Is there a way to add more depth to the sauce?
Sautéing onions and garlic slowly and adding sun-dried tomatoes enhances the sauce’s flavor complexity.
- → Can I omit the chili flakes?
Absolutely, chili flakes are optional and can be left out or adjusted for preferred spice levels.
- → Are there good substitutions for chicken?
Shrimp or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini work well as alternatives for different dietary needs.