Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken
This creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich, aromatic sauce made with fresh basil and tomatoes. It's a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta or any short pasta shape
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes from a 14.5 oz can
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta. Substitutions: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use cherry tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce. Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.