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.
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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
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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.
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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.
