Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

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 recipe for my family on a chilly weekend, and everyone instantly fell in love with the mix of creamy sauce and fresh basil. It has become our go-to comfort meal whenever we crave classic Italian-American flavors at home.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless (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: 100 g (3.5 oz), packed in oil, drained and sliced
• Fresh basil: 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: 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Salt and 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.

Cook 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 until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Sauté vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3 until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the tomato sauce:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.

Make it creamy:

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 chicken and pasta:

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 until warmed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

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This pasta is always a hit at family gatherings, with everyone asking for seconds and sharing laughs around the dinner table. Making it together has become a delicious tradition in our house.

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: 620 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein.

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This creamy chicken pasta is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite!

Recipe Help & FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best in this dish?

Penne or fettuccine hold the creamy tomato sauce well, but any sturdy pasta can be used.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Yes, shrimp works well, or for a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms or zucchini can be added.

→ How can I adjust the sauce consistency if it’s too thick?

Adding reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time helps to loosen the sauce to desired creaminess.

→ What herbs complement the flavors in this dish?

Fresh basil is key, but dried oregano adds a pleasant depth; you can also add a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat.

→ Is it important to use fresh Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, enhancing both texture and flavor significantly.