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Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni

Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni
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Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting and vibrant pasta dish that combines tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe balances fresh, bright flavors with hearty protein and al dente pasta to create a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water.
  3. Make the Tomato Basil Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer gently. Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Let the flavors meld on low heat for a few minutes.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Slowly pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and drained rigatoni to the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated and chicken is evenly distributed. Allow to warm through for a minute or two.
  6. Serve Immediately: Plate your Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni while hot. Garnish as desired with extra Parmesan, basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor.
  • Do not overcook the rigatoni; keep it al dente for the best texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure a nice sear.
  • Adjust the amount of cream to make the sauce lighter or richer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni, Creamy Tomato Pasta, Italian Chicken Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Pasta Recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/tomato-basil-chicken-rigatoni/