Go Back
Delicious burst cherry tomato basil chicken rigatoni garnished with basil and Parmesan cheese, with cherry tomatoes in the background.
Alyssa

Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni

Delicious tomato basil chicken rigatoni simmered in a creamy burst cherry tomato sauce with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts ideally, 2 equal-sized breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ yellow onion diced or sub a shallot
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup dry white wine or sub chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream *
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves julienned
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once water is boiling, add in the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; set aside.
  3. While the water boils and pasta cooks, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large, deep skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, deglaze the pan with white wine. Add onion, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and salt; sauté until tomatoes begin to break down, 10 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, then remaining wine. Add heavy cream and half of the basil, simmer, then fold in the pasta.
  6. Slice chicken and serve on top of the pasta immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and basil.

Notes

This dish is great for customizing with extra veggies or dietary swaps!