The Ultimate Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Recipe

I remember the days when I felt pressed for time and unsure about what to cook. This simple Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta quickly became my go-to. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comforting without any fuss—perfect when I need a fast weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. If you want a dish that’s both vibrant and easy, this recipe is your answer.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

• Incredibly fast and simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Bursting with fresh flavor from just a handful of simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil.
• Highly customizable, so you can easily swap in what you have on hand or adapt to your family’s taste.
• Combines comforting pasta with a light, vibrant sauce that isn’t heavy but still satisfying.

Key Ingredients Needed

• Pasta: Use 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles for a classic, satisfying base.
• Tomatoes: Choose Roma tomatoes diced or cherry tomatoes halved; fresh tomatoes add a juicy, sweet brightness.
• Chicken: Optional 1-2 chicken breasts to add protein; breasts keep the dish light but juicy when cooked properly.
• Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a delicious, savory foundation.
• Basil: One cup of fresh basil, chopped, to add that signature herbaceous note.
• Olive Oil & Parmesan: Two tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing and half a cup of grated parmesan cheese to finish with richness.

How to Cook Juicy Chicken for Pasta

If you’re adding chicken, start by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on the outside and cooked through but still juicy inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. This step ensures your chicken stays tender and adds a lovely texture contrast to the fresh tomato sauce. Add the chicken back into the sauce at the end of cooking just to warm through.

How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
3. Add freshly diced tomatoes and cook, stirring, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add fresh ground black pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese. Add fresh chopped basil.
4. Serve mixture over hot cooked spaghetti noodles.
5. Garnish with remaining parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Result

The Magic of Pasta Water

Saving a cup of pasta water before draining can be a game changer. The starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles, creating a silky, cohesive dish. Add a splash of this water into your sauce if it feels too thick or needs loosening.

Why Salting Your Pasta Water is Non-Negotiable

Salting your pasta water generously seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. This simple step means every bite of noodle carries flavor—don’t skip it!

Variations and Substitutions

To Change	Substitution Idea	Notes
Making it Creamy	Heavy cream or half-and-half	Adds richness and smooth texture
Making it Dairy-Free	Cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk	Keeps it creamy without dairy
Making it Gluten-Free	Gluten-free pasta brands	Opt for stable GF brands to maintain texture
Adding More Veggies	Spinach, zucchini	Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed zucchini for extra nutrition and color

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and maintain moisture. Because fresh tomatoes and pasta textures can change, this recipe isn’t recommended for freezing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more flavor and tenderness. Just dice and cook them the same way, ensuring they’re fully cooked but not overdone.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh tomatoes are preferred for their bright flavor and texture, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Choose high-quality, no-salt-added canned tomatoes for best results.

My sauce is too watery, how do I fix it?

Let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce excess liquid, or sprinkle in a bit more parmesan cheese to help thicken and enrich it.

Can I make this in one pan?

You can cook the chicken and sauce in one pan, but the pasta must be cooked separately. Mixing pasta water or adding some sauce liquid to the pan helps bring everything together nicely.

Conclusion

This Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a quick, fresh, and comforting weeknight winner. It’s a recipe that brings simplicity and flavor together in a way that fits perfectly into hectic days. I’d love to know how you make it your own—did you try adding veggies or make it creamy? Drop your thoughts, questions, and ratings below so we can chat all things delicious. Let’s keep cooking joyful and stress-free! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest @aisharecipes