Oh, weeknights! They can be such a whirlwind, right? Between work, school, and just life happening, the last thing you want to stress about is dinner. That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta. Seriously, it’s become my go-to when I need something delicious, comforting, and *fast*. It’s packed with flavor but comes together so easily, it feels like a little bit of magic in a pot. I’ve made this for countless busy evenings, and it always gets rave reviews!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Trust me, this pasta dish is a total game-changer for busy nights. It’s got that perfect trifecta: super quick to make, ridiculously easy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Quick and Easy Preparation
Seriously, you won’t believe how fast this comes together. With minimal chopping and just one pot to clean up, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s a lifesaver! For more speedy meals, check out these easy one pot meals.
Incredible Flavor Combination
Imagine this: tender chicken swimming in a luscious sauce that’s a perfect blend of tangy crushed tomatoes, fragrant basil, savory garlic, and a whisper of cream. It’s just pure deliciousness that makes your taste buds sing!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a chaotic Tuesday night, a relaxed weekend dinner, or you’re just craving some serious comfort food, this pasta fits the bill. It’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for the whole family to enjoy any night of the week.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get our goodies lined up for this amazing pasta! Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so smooth, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about dinner. We’re talking simple, wholesome ingredients that come together like magic in one pot. This recipe really shines because it uses everyday items you probably already have, or can grab easily!
Core Ingredients
First up, the stars of the show! We’ve got about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Then, grab your favorite pasta – about 12 ounces. Penne, rotini, or farfalle are fantastic choices because they hold onto that sauce so well! You’ll also need a big 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth for that savory base, a good splash of heavy cream to make it luxurious, and about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty finish.
Flavor Enhancers
Now for the flavor boosters! We’ll start with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to get things going. Then, one medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine – these are going to make your kitchen smell amazing! Don’t forget your dried herbs: 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano to really amp up that Italian vibe. And of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Oh, and for that pop of fresh color and aroma at the end, a handful of fresh basil leaves for garnishing!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Recipe
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! It really is as simple as it sounds, and before you know it, you’ll have a pot full of pure comfort food. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be digging into this amazing pasta in no time!
Browning the Chicken
First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven and get it over medium-high heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them get a nice golden-brown color on all sides – this adds so much flavor! Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet. Just get them browned, then scoop them out and set them aside on a plate.
Building the Sauce Base
Now, right into that same pot, toss in your chopped onion. Let it soften up for about 5 minutes until it looks a little translucent. Then, add your minced garlic – oh, that smell! Cook it for just about a minute until it’s super fragrant. Now, pour in that big can of crushed tomatoes, the chicken broth, your dried basil, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir and bring it up to a nice simmer.
Cooking the Pasta and Chicken
Okay, here’s where the magic really happens! Add your pasta right into the simmering sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure all those pasta pieces are getting cozy and submerged in the liquid. Then, bring back that browned chicken you set aside. Pop a lid on the pot, turn the heat down a bit, and let it all bubble away for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want to stir it every so often to make sure nothing sticks and the pasta cooks evenly until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but with a little bite!
Achieving Creaminess
Almost there! Once the pasta is cooked just right and the chicken is heated through, it’s time for the grand finale. Turn off the heat and stir in that glorious heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until everything is beautifully combined and the sauce has turned wonderfully creamy and luscious. This is what takes it from good pasta to *amazing* pasta! Serve it up right away in bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh basil leaves for that extra pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
You know, a few little tricks can really take this already amazing pasta dish from great to absolutely spectacular! It’s all about those small details that make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to play around a bit – that’s part of the fun!
Pasta Cooking Precision
Listen, the absolute key to getting this pasta perfectly cooked is making sure all those little pasta shapes are swimming happily in the liquid. If any bits are sticking out, they won’t cook evenly and can end up dry or gummy. Just give it a good stir every few minutes to make sure everything stays submerged! For more one-pot wonders, explore our one-pot dinners.
Customizing Your Dish
Want a little kick? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic when you’re building the sauce base – it adds a lovely warmth! And if you’re feeling like adding some veggies, spinach wilts down beautifully in the last few minutes of cooking, or some chopped bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions. So many yummy possibilities!
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Meal
This creamy pasta is best served piping hot, right out of the pot! It’s the perfect way to end a busy day. Leftovers are also fantastic, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
Presentation Ideas
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top adds a beautiful pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that just makes the dish sing!
Leftover Storage
Once cooled, pop any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a little thick.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Got questions about this super simple Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta? I’ve got answers! This recipe is designed to be super flexible and forgiving, making it one of my favorite easy dinner ideas for those crazy nights.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This one pot pasta meal is great with all sorts of shapes. Just make sure they’re fully submerged and adjust cooking time if needed. Shorter pastas usually work best!
Is this a healthy pasta recipe?
It’s a pretty balanced meal! You’ve got protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and veggies from the tomatoes and onions. For a lighter version, you could use whole wheat pasta or even add extra veggies like spinach!
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can totally prep some parts ahead. Cook the chicken and make the sauce base, then combine with pasta and cream when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste. Leftovers reheat well too!
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh basil for garnish, just use a little more dried basil in the sauce, or try a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The dried basil in the sauce still gives it plenty of flavor!
Estimated Nutritional Information
This is a rough estimate, of course, as brands and exact measurements can change things a bit! But generally, one serving of this delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta comes in around 550 calories. You’re looking at about 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that really hits the spot!
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Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta: 1 Amazing Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a creamy tomato basil sauce, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the pot and stir. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and sauce is creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can substitute other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
