Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a creamy, satisfying dinner that comes together in just under 40 minutes. With juicy chicken, fresh basil, and a tomato-rich sauce, it’s a weeknight favorite you'll want to make again and again.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- #### For the Pasta
- - 10 oz rigatoni
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- #### For the Chicken
- - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- - ½ tsp salt
- - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- - ½ tsp dried basil
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- #### For the Sauce
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 medium shallot finely minced
- - 2 large garlic cloves chopped
- - 14 oz cherry tomatoes
- - 1 tsp Italian herb blend
- - 2 tbsp tomato paste
- - ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- - 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn
- - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- **Cook the Pasta**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- **Sauté the Chicken**
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- **Cook Aromatics**
- In the same skillet, sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- **Simmer Tomatoes & Deglaze**
- Add cherry tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes, pressing them to release juices. Stir in Italian herb blend and tomato paste. Deglaze with white wine.
- **Make the Sauce**
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add fresh basil and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- **Combine and Finish**
- Add chicken, rigatoni, and Parmesan to the sauce. Toss gently, using pasta water to loosen as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- **Serve**
- Plate hot and top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Optional: drizzle olive oil or cracked black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh basil at the end for the best flavor.
- Substitute pasta types or protein as needed.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
- Substitute pasta types or protein as needed.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!