Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orecchiette
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces orecchiette pasta (The star pasta that holds the sauce perfectly); 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing the chicken and garlic); 1 pound chicken breast (diced, tender protein that soaks up the sauce flavors); 3 cloves garlic (minced, adds that essential fragrant punch); 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained, provides a fresh, tangy base); 1 cup heavy cream (For a luscious, velvety sauce); 1 teaspoon dried basil (Brings warm herbal notes); salt and pepper (to taste, to season perfectly); 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory, cheesy finish); fresh basil leaves (for garnish, brightens the dish with freshness and color)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a pasta dish that marries rich, creamy sauce with the bright, fresh flavors of tomato and basil. This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orecchiette is exactly that—deliciously satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. Featuring tender chunks of chicken breast, orecchiette pasta that holds onto every bit of sauce, and a luscious blend of cream and tomatoes, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy yet requires minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to add to your rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe

What really makes this recipe shine is its balance of flavors and textures. The orecchiette pasta, with its unique little “ear” shape, is perfect for catching the creamy tomato basil sauce. The chicken is juicy and tender, soaking up all the wonderful garlic and herb notes. Plus, the sauce is rich but not overpowering, thanks to the perfect blend of heavy cream and diced tomatoes. I also adore how quick it comes together—just about 30 minutes from start to finish. And did I mention it pairs beautifully with Easy Garlic Bread? This dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is completely doable on a busy weeknight.

Ingredient List

8 ounces orecchiette pasta – The star pasta that holds the sauce perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
1 pound chicken breast, diced – Tender protein that soaks up the sauce flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds that essential fragrant punch.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained – Provides a fresh, tangy base.
1 cup heavy cream – For a luscious, velvety sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil – Brings warm herbal notes.
Salt and pepper to taste – To season perfectly.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, cheesy finish.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Brightens the dish with freshness and color.

Hardware & Gadgets

Large pot – For boiling the orecchiette pasta.
Large skillet or sauté pan – To cook the chicken and sauce.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring the sauce gently.
Colander – To drain the pasta.
Knife and cutting board – For dicing chicken and mincing garlic.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts.

How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orecchiette

Step 1: Cook the Orecchiette

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the edges. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with juices and stir. Add dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to warm through but avoid boiling. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained orecchiette pasta, tossing everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy tomato basil sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Seasonal Spins

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes in late summer for more depth and sweetness.
In cooler months, swap out fresh basil garnish for a sprinkle of fresh thyme or oregano for a cozy twist.
Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and nutrients.
Use diced zucchini or yellow squash during spring for a fresh, garden-inspired variation.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should stay juicy and tender to complement the creamy sauce.
Reserve some pasta water—it’s a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty richness, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Storage Pro Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the cream from separating. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Your Top Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more moisture and flavor to the dish. Just dice them into similar-sized pieces and cook until nicely browned and cooked through.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Coconut cream could work for a dairy-free alternative but will change the flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein. You might also want to increase the Parmesan cheese slightly for more depth.

What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal for the creamiest, most flavorful sauce. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.

Next Up in Your Queue

Try the equally comforting Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi for a twist on shape and texture.
If you love creamy tomato sauces, don’t miss the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini, a delicious variation with cheese-filled pasta.
Complete your meal with a side of Easy Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve got the recipe down for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orecchiette, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Don’t forget to experiment with the seasonal spins to make this dish your own. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to meal. Happy cooking!

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