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Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni

Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni
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Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting, flavorful, and simple dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This hearty, Italian-inspired one-pot meal is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Oils & Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a gentle spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest before slicing.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the diced fresh tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, breaking down the tomatoes to form a bright, chunky sauce. Simmer for several minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Cook the Rigatoni: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
  4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add them back into the tomato sauce. Fold in the cooked rigatoni gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  5. Add Fresh Basil and Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently so the residual heat releases the aromatic basil flavor and melts the cheese evenly throughout the dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatoes when possible for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; it will continue cooking in the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Add fresh basil off the heat to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for superior taste and melting quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni, chicken pasta, Italian dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly pasta

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