If you have been searching for a hearty yet elegant dinner that combines all the comforting flavors you love, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a delightful melding of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that sings with fresh basil and the rich umami of Parmesan. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining with friends. I’m excited to walk you through how to create this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully straightforward, drawing on fresh and pantry essentials that perfectly balance flavor, richness, and texture to bring this dish to life.
- Linguini or fettuccine pasta: A perfect canvas to soak up the creamy tomato sauce while maintaining a pleasant bite.
- Chicken breasts: Trimmed and seasoned for juicy, flavorful protein that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps achieve that delicious sear on the chicken.
- Roma tomatoes: Fresh and slightly sweet, they form the vibrant base of the sauce with a lovely texture.
- Green onion: Offers a mild sharpness and freshness to brighten the sauce.
- Hot chili flakes (optional): A gentle kick that adds depth—leave out for the little ones.
- Fresh basil: The aromatic herb that gives the dish its signature fragrance and a pop of green color.
- Garlic clove: Pressed to release its robust flavor, enhancing every layer of the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes creaminess and richness without overpowering the fresh tomato taste.
- Chardonnay or dry white wine: Elevates the sauce with subtle acidity and complexity as it reduces.
- Heavy whipping cream: Smooths the sauce and makes it decadently creamy for a luscious finish.
- Parmesan cheese: To be grated over the finished dish for a salty, nutty flourish that pulls everything together.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguini or fettuccine with a splash of olive oil until al dente, just tender but still firm to the bite. Rinse and drain it off, then set it aside so it’s ready to absorb that delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, trim the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and black pepper to amp up the flavor. Heat a large deep pan or Dutch oven with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken on the first side until golden, about five minutes, then flip, cover, and cook for another five minutes until done through. Let the chicken rest before slicing it thinly against the grain, locking in those juices and tenderness.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Basil Sauce
Using the same pan, now packed with those caramelized chicken flavors, add the diced roma tomatoes, finely chopped green onion, optional chili flakes, fresh chopped basil, pressed garlic, and butter. Season lightly with black pepper. Pour in a cup of dry white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and most of the wine reduces, leaving a rich and fragrant base.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Once the liquid in your sauce reduces to about a quarter cup, stir in the heavy whipping cream and season with salt to taste. This is what transforms the sauce into that silky, dreamy coat for your pasta and chicken—utterly irresistible and indulgent.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Add the sliced chicken back into the pan, gently warm the mixture for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors, and then toss in your cooked pasta. Let the pasta soak up every bit of that creamy tomato sauce, mixing lovingly to ensure every strand is coated. Serve immediately with a generous shower of Parmesan, extra fresh basil, and even some diced tomatoes to keep the dish bright and fresh.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what take this dish over the top. Sprinkle finely grated Parmesan cheese for its salty, nutty boost and scatter freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant herbal aroma. Dotting with extra diced tomatoes adds a lovely pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This creamy tomato chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls are wonderful companions, perfect for scooping every last bit of sauce off the plate. For a vegetable side, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus bring a satisfying crunch and earthy freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic shallow bowls to showcase the saucy goodness and vibrant toppings. For a dinner party, consider plating the chicken slices atop a nest of creamy pasta with a fresh basil sprig crowning each serving. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic glaze for an elegant flair that impresses every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious—or even better—the next day.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, freeze the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce in freezer-safe containers. This helps preserve texture and flavor, keeping everything fresh for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent splitting of the cream. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir regularly to evenly warm the pasta and chicken without drying them out, bringing back that freshly made charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguini or fettuccine works wonderfully, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti make great alternatives. Just choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy tomato sauce nicely.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No worries! You can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice to maintain acidity. The wine adds flavor depth but isn’t essential to the success of this dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, just omit the chili flakes to keep the heat out. The creamy tomato and chicken combo is usually very popular with kids, making it a great family dinner option.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance and refrigerate separately. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the freshest and most delicious experience.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. The sauce will be slightly different but still creamy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and celebratory about the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe that makes it a winner every time. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and savory flavors all coming together in one pot, delivering dinner magic with minimal fuss. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this in your kitchen—you’re going to fall in love with every spoonful, and so will everyone lucky enough to share it with you!
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Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a delightful and satisfying main course featuring tender sautéed chicken breasts served over linguini or fettuccine, all smothered in a rich, flavorful tomato and cream sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and a splash of white wine. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it balances savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes that can be adjusted for all ages.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3/4 lb linguini or fettuccine pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb (2 medium) chicken breasts, trimmed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
Sauce
- 6 roma tomatoes, diced (plus more to garnish if desired)
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp hot chilli flakes (optional – omit if making for children)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus more to serve)
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
To Serve
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Additional diced tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Prepare and sauté chicken: Trim and season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté the first side until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Make the tomato sauce: In the same pan (no need to clean it), increase heat to medium-high and add diced tomatoes, green onion, chili flakes (if using), chopped basil, pressed garlic, and butter. Season with black pepper. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is softened and most of the wine has evaporated, leaving about 1/4 cup of liquid in the pan.
- Add cream and season: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and salt. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently until well combined.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the sliced chicken to the sauce, warming it through gently for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce and chicken, mixing well to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and additional diced tomatoes if desired for extra freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or a non-alcoholic white wine for a milder flavor.
- Omit chili flakes for a kid-friendly version or reduce them for less heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free diet is required.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain juiciness.
- Fresh basil and parsley enhance the freshness of the dish — don’t skip these garnishes if possible.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
