Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces of penne or fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

Discover the warmth of Italian cuisine with this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta recipe, a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, this dish is both comforting and easy to make. With fresh basil and Parmesan cheese elevating the flavors, it's a wholesome meal your family will love. Dive into a culinary delight that's quick to prepare and satisfying to enjoy any night of the week.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well and increase the heat slightly until it begins to simmer, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.

        Combine: Once the sauce is at a gentle simmer, gradually add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until everything is well combined and creamy. Next, fold in the chopped fresh basil and the sliced chicken, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

          Serve: Transfer the creamy tomato basil chicken pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy this dish immediately for the best taste!

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings