You know those nights when you just crave something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when my go-to Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta comes to the rescue! This recipe is practically magic in a skillet. It combines tender chicken, a luscious, velvety tomato sauce bursting with fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta. I first whipped this up on a whim when I was trying to use up some fresh basil from the garden and needed a fast dinner. It was such a hit, it quickly became a family favorite. It truly captures that perfect balance of simple ingredients turning into something incredibly special and satisfying. Seriously, it’s a weeknight winner!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Seriously, this pasta dish is a no-brainer for so many reasons:
- It’s FAST! We’re talking about a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to go in about 40 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Seriously Flavorful: You get that amazing creamy tomato sauce kicked up with fresh, fragrant basil. It’s just *chef’s kiss*!
- Super Simple: No fancy techniques here! Even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this recipe.
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids love it, adults love it – it’s the kind of dish everyone asks for seconds.
- Versatile: Easily tweak it with your favorite additions or serve it just as is.
Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need to make this pasta sing! Having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process so smooth, trust me. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (the good stuff!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (don’t skimp on the fresh stuff!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta, cooked according to package directions (I like penne or fettuccine for this!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Okay, let’s get this amazing pasta on the table! It really comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. I always like to have my pasta cooking in one pot while I start the sauce in another – it’s my little weeknight secret to saving time!
Preparing the Pasta
First things first, we need some pasta! Get a big pot of salted water boiling, and cook your pasta according to the package directions. I always aim for ‘al dente’ – just a little bit chewy. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, we want that starch to help the sauce cling!
Cooking the Chicken
Grab a large skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re nice and golden brown on all sides and cooked all the way through. Nobody likes raw chicken, right? Once it’s done, take the chicken out of the skillet and put it on a plate for a moment. This stops it from getting tough while we make the sauce.
Building the Flavor Base
Now, into that same skillet (don’t wipe it out, all those little bits are flavor!), toss in your chopped onion. Sauté it until it’s soft and looks a little translucent, maybe about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute or so until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic – nobody wants bitter pasta!
Creating the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce
Here comes the magic! Pour in your crushed tomatoes, then swirl in that lovely heavy cream. Add your grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir. Let it bubble gently and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll see it start to thicken up into a gorgeous, rich sauce. Ooh, the smell is heavenly!
Combining Everything Together
Now, bring back that cooked chicken to the saucy skillet. Next, add your drained pasta right on top. Gently toss everything together until that creamy tomato basil sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken beautifully. Make sure it’s all mixed in. This is the part where it all comes together and looks incredible!
Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
You know, making this pasta is pretty straightforward, but there are always a few little tricks I’ve picked up that make it *even better*. It’s all about those little tweaks that elevate a good dish to a truly amazing one! Think of it like adding a secret ingredient, almost like how a good sauce can transform a simple meal.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe! If you want something a little richer, chicken thighs chopped up work beautifully and are super forgiving. I’ve also thrown in a handful of baby spinach right at the end, and it wilts down perfectly. Mushrooms are another great add-in if you love them! For a dairy-free version, you can try using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, though the flavor will be a little different. Or, for a kick, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic – kind of like my hot honey, but in the sauce!
Achieving the Perfect Creaminess
That luscious, creamy texture is key, right? My biggest tip is to use good quality heavy cream – it makes such a difference. Also, try not to overcook the sauce once you add the cream and cheese; just a gentle simmer is all it needs to thicken up nicely. Over-boiling can sometimes make it split. And don’t skimp on the Parmesan; it not only adds that salty, nutty flavor but also helps thicken the sauce wonderfully. It’s like a little flavor magic!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This pasta is wonderful served piping hot, right out of the skillet! It’s practically a meal on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, here are a few ideas.
Serving Ideas
Garnish with a little extra fresh basil – it really makes the flavors pop! If you like a little zing, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top is fantastic. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping up any extra sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the pasta cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that creamy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some things folks often ask about this fantastic pasta dish. It’s always good to know the little details, just like with a great pasta salad!
Can I make this Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You can totally make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat the sauce and cook the pasta and chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture!
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Honestly, most shapes work great! I love penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine because they really hold onto that creamy sauce. Anything with ridges or curves is a winner for this delicious chicken pasta recipe.
Can I use different protein sources?
Absolutely! Shrimp cooks super fast and is delicious here. Crumbled Italian sausage is also amazing – just cook it through before adding your onions. It’ll give the pasta a totally different, but equally wonderful, flavor profile!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so just a heads-up, these numbers are just estimates, you know? They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and even how much you slather on that extra cheese or basil. But, roughly, one serving of this amazing Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta packs around 650 calories, 30g of fat (that’s the good stuff mostly!), and a hearty 35g of protein to keep you going. You’re also looking at about 60g of carbs and 800mg of sodium.
Print
Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious creamy tomato basil chicken pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy tomato basil chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta