The aroma of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil fills the air as you prepare to dive into a bowl of Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta. You can almost hear the pasta singing with joy as it dances in the pot, waiting to embrace that luscious sauce. Quick English Muffin Pizzas Each bite promises an explosion of flavors that come together in perfect harmony, leaving your taste buds doing a happy dance. For more inspiration, check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
Picture this: it’s a warm Sunday afternoon, and your family gathers around the dinner table, laughter mixing with the rich scents wafting from the kitchen. This dish has been a staple for years, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies every time. Mediterranean Hummus Toast The anticipation builds as you plate up the vibrant medley of colors, knowing that Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights or lazy Sundays
- Bursting with fresh flavors, it’s visually stunning and makes for a delightful centerpiece on any dinner table
- Perfectly versatile, you can add seasonal veggies or swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu!
My niece once declared this dish “the best thing ever,” followed by an enthusiastic face-plant into her plate. Kids sure know how to keep it real!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to your hungry crowd!
-
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor – no one likes mushy garlic!
-
Ripe Tomatoes: Opt for juicy Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes for their sweetness and texture.
-
Fresh Basil: Using fresh leaves elevates the dish; dried just doesn’t cut it!
-
Pasta of Choice: I love spaghetti or penne here; go with whatever you have on hand.
-
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil brings everything together beautifully.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Grate some freshly aged cheese on top for a salty finish – trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping your tomatoes and basil. Mince the garlic as finely as possible; it should almost smell like magic at this point.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add seasoned chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on both sides and no longer pink inside; about 6-7 minutes per side should do.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant before adding chopped tomatoes to create your sauce base.
Add Pasta and Combine Flavors: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss it into your skillet with sautéed garlic and tomatoes; stir well to combine all those glorious flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta recipe.
Finish with Fresh Basil and Cheese: Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves along with grated Parmesan cheese. The heat will slightly wilt the basil while melting the cheese into creamy goodness.
Serve It Up!: Plate generously, showering each serving with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy immediately while basking in those delightful aromas!
Now that you’ve mastered this Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta recipe, get ready to impress friends and family or simply enjoy it all by yourself (no judgment here). Tomato Mozzarella Potato Gratin This dish brings simplicity back to cooking without sacrificing flavor or presentation!
You Must Know
- Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines flavors perfectly
- Fresh ingredients elevate this recipe, making it a feast for the senses
- The vibrant colors and fragrant aroma will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then cook the pasta while preparing the delicious sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and efficiency, ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. You can swap out chicken for shrimp or make it vegetarian by using tofu instead. Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, use fresh basil and tomatoes for maximum flavor impact
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasoning as needed
Sharing a memorable experience, my family once declared this dish their favorite after tasting it at a dinner party. Their smiles said it all, making every effort worth it!
FAQ
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly marries tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for family dinners or weeknight meals, delivering a delightful combination of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its appealing colors and rich scents, this dish not only pleases the palate but also creates a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and chopping the tomatoes and basil. Mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side) and no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes to create the sauce base.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet with sautéed garlic and tomatoes; mix well.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
