Ready in 30 minutes, this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy. Rich and comforting, this creamy chicken pasta comes together quickly and highlights bright basil and juicy tomatoes.
This pasta is loaded with fresh basil, tender chicken, and sweet tomatoes in a creamy, savory sauce. The classic tomato-and-basil pairing shines when combined with a silky cream base and grated Parmesan — an easy recipe that feels special without extra fuss.
Why You’ll Love this Tomato Basil Pasta
- Delicious homemade sauce. Creamy and rich, with garlic, tomatoes and Parmesan for a deeply satisfying flavor.
- Quick and easy. Ready from pantry to table in about 30 minutes using common ingredients — perfect for busy evenings.
- Flexible. Swap chicken tenders for thighs or breasts, use dried basil if you don’t have fresh, or change the pasta shape to suit what you have.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Olive oil — 2 tbsp (or canola oil)
- Butter — 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream — 1½ cups
- Grape or vine tomatoes — 2 cups, diced
- All-purpose flour — 2 tbsp (for coating chicken)
- Chicken broth — 1 cup (low sodium recommended)
- Fresh basil — ¼ cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes — ½ tsp
- Fettuccine — 8 oz (or any pasta you prefer)
- Salt and black pepper — to taste
- Parmesan cheese — ½ cup grated, plus extra for serving
- Chicken — 1.5 lb chicken tenders, julienned (or thighs/breasts)
How to make this Basil Tomato Pasta
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prep the chicken: Julienne the chicken. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, then toss with 2 tbsp flour to lightly coat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove and keep warm.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste), ¾ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer on low 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the chopped basil and grated Parmesan and cook another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Serve: Plate immediately and garnish with extra chopped basil and shaved or grated Parmesan.
Recipe Variations
- Change the pasta: penne, rigatoni, or whole-grain pasta all work well.
- Herb swap: use 1 tsp dried basil for each tablespoon of fresh if needed.
- Protein options: substitute chicken thighs or breasts, or try shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Veggies: add spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
Tips and Notes
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so it cooks uniformly.
- Use plenty of water for the pasta so noodles can move freely and cook evenly.
- Make sure the water is boiling before adding pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
- Toss pasta well in the sauce so every bite is coated. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that pasta will absorb sauce as it sits; reheat gently and add a little liquid if needed.
FAQs
Yes. Spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus complement the flavors well and boost nutrients.
Yes. Substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Use gluten-free broth if needed.
A crisp green salad or crusty bread (for mopping up sauce) pairs nicely with this dish.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes To Try
- Creamy chicken and mushroom pasta variations work well with this technique.
- Cajun-seasoned chicken mac and cheese is a bolder option for spice lovers.
- Puttanesca-style sauces offer a tangy, olive-forward alternative.
- Creamy tuna pasta bake is another simple, comforting weeknight meal.
I hope you enjoy this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta. If you make it, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, and enjoy with friends or family.