Save A luscious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil for a comforting, flavorful meal.
I first made this on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy but fast. The creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil brought the whole family to the table eager for seconds.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless skinless, about 400 g, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 350 g penne or fettuccine pasta
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g canned
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 100 g packed in oil, drained and sliced
- Fresh basil: 1 handful (about 20 g), torn or chopped
- Heavy cream: 200 ml
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g freshly grated
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring 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.
- Prepare chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, chili flakes if using. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stir until sauce is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet with drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in sauce.
- Finish:
- Stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and heat through 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan.
Save My family always requests this pasta on cozy weekends. Passing around the Parmesan and basil at the table makes dinner feel truly special.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, colander
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine after sautéing onions. Swap chicken for shrimp or use mushrooms/zucchini for a vegetarian version. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta may be used. Pairs well with Pinot Grigio.
Save This pasta makes any night feel special and packs fantastic leftovers for lunch!
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken on medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- → What pasta works best with this sauce?
Penne or fettuccine are great choices as their shape holds the creamy tomato sauce well, enhancing each bite.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
Using half-and-half works, but may result in a less rich and creamy texture compared to heavy cream.
- → What role do sun-dried tomatoes play in the dish?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and depth, complementing the fresh basil and creamy tomato sauce.
- → Any tips for enhancing flavor?
Sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant before adding tomatoes builds a rich flavor base, and a splash of white wine can add complexity.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Yes, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to maintain hearty textures and flavors.