Description
This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta features tender chicken, creamy cherry tomato sauce, and fresh basil, all served over rigatoni pasta. The perfect combination of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors makes this an irresistible weeknight dinner. Customizable with extra veggies or different proteins, it’s a well-rounded, comforting meal your whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts (or thighs)
Olive oil
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Butterfly the chicken breasts, season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Remove from the skillet and slice.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, wine, and cream, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, beans, or extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
