Merken This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, featuring tender chicken breast pieces tossed with al dente short pasta in a vibrant, herb-infused tomato sauce. It’s a balanced, high-protein meal that brings authentic Italian flavors to your table in just 40 minutes.
Merken Combining the sweetness of canned tomatoes with the aromatic punch of fresh basil, this dish is designed to be both simple to prepare and impressively delicious. Whether you use penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, the sauce clings perfectly to every bite.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli), Generous pinch of salt (for pasta water)
- Chicken: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g / 12 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Tomato Basil Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 800 g (28 oz) canned diced tomatoes, with juice, 1/2 tsp sugar (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 loosely packed cup (25 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Finishing: 40 g (1/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving, Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Step 5
- Stir in the chopped basil and cooked chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes more to meld flavors.
- Step 6
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a large pot for the pasta and a large skillet to ensure even cooking of the chicken and sauce. Preparation is key; have your chef's knife and cutting board ready to mince the garlic and chop the basil. Stirring the sauce with a wooden spoon helps combine the ingredients smoothly without scratching your skillet.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture. If you have specific dietary needs, this dish works perfectly with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta varieties.
Serviervorschläge
Enjoy this meal with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or refreshing sparkling water with lemon. To elevate the presentation, always garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Merken With 510 calories per serving and a boost of protein, this Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a nutritious and satisfying choice that is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
