Pin It Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a luscious dish featuring tender chicken, rich creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil. This comforting, flavorful meal brings together Italian-American classics for a hearty main dish everyone will enjoy.
I first made this pasta for a family dinner when we needed something both comforting and a little special. The combination of creamy tomato and herbs quickly became one of our favorites, and now it's a regular request whenever we want a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Penne or fettuccine pasta: 350 g (12 oz)
- 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 leaves: 1 handful (about 20 g), 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 freshly ground black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear 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 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make it Creamy:
- Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Pin It My family loves to gather around the table for this dish, especially when the weather turns cool. Seeing everyone reaching for seconds and sharing stories makes every bite even more satisfying.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, colander
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream, Parmesan cheese) and wheat (pasta). May contain traces of nuts or soy if using store-bought sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan. Always check labels if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620 Total Fat: 27 g Carbohydrates: 58 g Protein: 38 g
Pin It This creamy pasta will quickly become a comfort food favorite. Save or share leftovers – the flavors get even better the next day.