Description
This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst in the skillet, creating a flavorful sauce that coats tender chicken and rigatoni pasta. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Additional Parmesan and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped basil and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- For added depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- You can substitute penne or fusilli if rigatoni isn’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
