Pin 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 on a rainy weeknight and it quickly became a family favorite for its simplicity and satisfying taste. Every time I prepare it, the aroma fills the kitchen with an inviting, cozy feeling.
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 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 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 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer tomato sauce:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish sauce:
- Reduce heat to low. Add 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.
- Add basil and season:
- Stir in the fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Pin 
This pasta is always a hit at weekend family dinners––everyone loves scooping an extra helping, and it pairs perfectly with crusty bread and laughter around the table.
Required Tools
You will need a large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chef's knife, cutting board, and a colander for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A glass of Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Pin This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is sure to become a comforting staple in your kitchen, inviting everyone back for seconds. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy tomato sauce well, but any pasta you prefer can be used.
- → Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Yes, shrimp or sautéed mushrooms make good alternatives, providing different textures and flavors.
- → How is the creamy tomato sauce made smooth?
Heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese are stirred into the tomato base, and a bit of reserved pasta water is added if needed for a smooth consistency.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely, adding chili flakes during the sauce preparation adds a pleasant heat without overwhelming the flavors.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain sauce creaminess.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken beautifully.