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 recipe for a family Sunday dinner, and it quickly became one of our favorites. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic fills the kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner to be served.
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
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) canned
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 100 g (3.5 oz) packed in oil drained and sliced
- Fresh basil: 1 handful (about 20 g) leaves 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 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 pasta water then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken:
- Meanwhile heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic cook for 1 minute.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes sun-dried tomatoes dried oregano and chili flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish the sauce:
- Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese stirring until smooth and creamy. If too thick add reserved pasta water.
- Combine and heat through:
- Return chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
- Add basil and serve:
- Stir in fresh basil adjust seasoning and heat for 1 minute. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Pin Whenever I make this cozy creamy pasta my family gathers around the table ready to dig in and always goes back for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy tomato basil chicken pasta with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Options
For a vegetarian version omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use gluten-free pasta if needed or swap chicken for shrimp for a different twist.
Make Ahead & Storage
This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to return its creamy texture.
Pin Now you have a comforting restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Enjoy every creamy flavorful bite!
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy tomato sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
- → Can the chicken be substituted?
Yes, shrimp or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini make great alternatives for a different variation.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh basil?
Fresh basil adds vibrant aroma and flavor; dried basil won’t provide the same freshness but can be used if needed.
- → Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.