If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful pasta combines tender, perfectly seared chicken with juicy cherry tomatoes that pop with each bite, fresh basil that dances on your palate, and a luscious creamy sauce that ties it all together. It’s a symphony of colors, smells, and tastes that come together in a dish sure to satisfy both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial part in balancing freshness, flavor, and texture, creating a dish that’s as approachable to make as it is joyful to eat.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1 ½ pounds): Tender chicken is the heart of the dish, providing protein and a hearty base.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons total): Brings that classic herbaceous note essential to Italian cooking.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon additional): Enhances all the flavors beautifully, helping balance sweetness and acidity.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a mild spicy kick and depth.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): For searing chicken and sautéing vegetables, offering fruity richness.
- Rigatoni (1 pound): Large tubular pasta perfect for holding onto the creamy tomato sauce.
- Yellow onion, diced (½): Adds sweetness and a gentle bite that softens during cooking.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): The stars of the dish, bursting with sweet acidity when cooked.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): A fragrant punch that infuses the sauce with warmth.
- Tomato paste (¼ cup): Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle heat that lifts the entire dish.
- Dry white wine (1 cup): Adds acidity and complexity; chicken broth works as a great substitute.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a silky, rich sauce that clings to every rigatoni.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty component that elevates the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves (½ cup, julienned): Bright herbal notes that freshen and balance the creaminess.
- Extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes: For finishing touches that bring an extra pop of flavor and texture.
How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cooking your rigatoni al dente as per the package instructions ensures it’s firm enough to provide a nice bite without feeling mushy, which perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry for a perfect sear. Butterfly each one and cut into equal pieces to ensure even cooking. Season generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning mix practically guarantees a flavorful, golden crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and let them sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to stay warm and juicy.
Step 4: Create the Vibrant Tomato Basil Sauce
In the same skillet, deglaze with ¼ cup of your white wine, scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. This elevates the sauce instantly. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, diced onion, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and salt. Let this mixture sauté for 10 minutes, pressing the cherry tomatoes gently to encourage them to burst and release their sweet juices. Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute before pouring in the remaining wine or broth. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, then whisk in heavy cream and half your fresh basil. This step transforms the sauce into a rich, aromatic masterpiece.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your rigatoni, reserving a cup of that precious pasta water. Toss the pasta into the skillet with your sauce, stirring to combine. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and achieve the perfect consistency. Shower the dish with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring it in until it melts into a luscious blanket of flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice your rested chicken and lay it atop the creamy, tomato-streaked rigatoni. Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes for heat, and fresh basil leaves to finish with a burst of herbal brightness. The dish is now ready to delight lingering appetites and soaring taste buds alike.
How to Serve Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing this recipe, fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan are your best friends. The basil adds a fresh, peppery aroma that contrasts the rich creaminess, while the Parmesan gives a savory, melty finish. For those who love a hint of heat, sprinkling a few red pepper flakes right before serving adds a lovely zing.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple to let the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe shine. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread to mop up every sauce morsel, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini work beautifully. These sides add texture and complement the flavors without overwhelming the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For an even more impressive presentation, serve the rigatoni in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful tomatoes and chicken slices. You can also layer the sliced chicken atop the pasta for height and drama. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil and scatter torn fresh basil leaves just before serving for an inviting, rustic look that will have your guests swooning before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the pasta and sauce together so the rigatoni can soak up those lovely flavors overnight. Refrigerate sliced chicken separately if you want to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate from the chicken to avoid changes in texture once thawed. Place the cooled sauce and pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Freeze the chicken wrapped tightly in foil or in its own container to preserve moisture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce and keep things creamy. If you’re using a microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain consistency and warmth without drying.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the chunky sauce, penne, farfalle, or even fusilli work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that smaller or thinner pasta shapes might not trap the sauce as well.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
White wine adds a subtle acidity and complexity, but you can substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will be just as delicious and still complement the burst cherry tomatoes beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 ½ or 2 teaspoons, or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce during cooking. Fresh chopped chili peppers also make a great addition for those heat lovers.
Can I prepare this dish for meal prep?
Definitely. This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe stores well and reheats nicely, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for several days ahead.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to achieve some creaminess, but keep in mind the sauce may not be quite as rich or thick.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how easy and rewarding it is to make the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, I truly hope you take the plunge and give it a go. It’s a dish that captures the essence of fresh, vibrant Italian-inspired cooking, perfect for bringing warmth and joy to your table. Once you taste those juicy tomatoes bursting alongside tender chicken and creamy pasta, this recipe is likely to become a cherished favorite in your repertoire.
Print
Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts, fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines the brightness of fresh ingredients with hearty rigatoni pasta in a rich and comforting sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Pasta
- 1 pound (16 ounces) rigatoni
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced (or substitute shallot)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, 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 substitute chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
- Additional red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water for pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the rigatoni.
- Cook the pasta: Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rigatoni, and set the water aside for sauce use.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Butterfly each breast horizontally and then cut into two equal pieces each. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, deglaze by pouring in ¼ cup of white wine and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Cook until mostly reduced. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, diced onion, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for 10 minutes, pressing the tomatoes gently to release their juices. Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute. Pour in the remaining white wine or chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and half of the julienned basil leaves, then simmer briefly to combine flavors. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce along with the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Slice and serve: Slice the cooked chicken pieces and arrange them over the sauced rigatoni. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, additional red pepper flakes, and remaining fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- To keep chicken moist, do not overcook it; 4–5 minutes per side typically suffices.
- Reserve pasta water as its starch helps to create a silky sauce consistency.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken broth for white wine if desired.
- Use fresh basil added at the end to retain its vibrant flavor and color.
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness.
