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Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a creamy, satisfying dinner that comes together in just under 40 minutes. With juicy chicken, fresh basil, and a tomato-rich sauce, it’s a weeknight favorite you'll want to make again and again.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • - Large pot
  • - Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • - Chef’s knife
  • - Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • #### For the Pasta
  • - 10 oz rigatoni
  • - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • #### For the Chicken
  • - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
  • - ½ tsp salt
  • - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • - ½ tsp dried basil
  • - 1 tbsp olive oil
  • #### For the Sauce
  • - 1 tbsp olive oil
  • - 1 medium shallot finely minced
  • - 2 large garlic cloves chopped
  • - 14 oz cherry tomatoes
  • - 1 tsp Italian herb blend
  • - 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • - ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • - 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the Pasta**
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  • **Sauté the Chicken**
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • **Cook Aromatics**
  • In the same skillet, sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  • **Simmer Tomatoes & Deglaze**
  • Add cherry tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes, pressing them to release juices. Stir in Italian herb blend and tomato paste. Deglaze with white wine.
  • **Make the Sauce**
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Add fresh basil and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  • **Combine and Finish**
  • Add chicken, rigatoni, and Parmesan to the sauce. Toss gently, using pasta water to loosen as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • **Serve**
  • Plate hot and top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Optional: drizzle olive oil or cracked black pepper before serving.

Notes

- Use fresh basil at the end for the best flavor.
- Substitute pasta types or protein as needed.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
Keyword Tomato Basil, Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta