Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta

$For this dish, I recommend using 8 ounces of fettuccine. You can also use any pasta you like. Options like penne or spaghetti work great too. Cooking it until it is al dente gives the best texture. You will need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them into thin pieces for even cooking. For the creamy sauce, use 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds richness to the dish. You will also need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Aromatics are key for taste. Use 3 cloves of minced garlic. The smell of garlic while cooking is wonderful. For seasoning, grab salt and pepper to taste. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Lastly, use 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped. This gives the dish a fresh and vibrant flavor. Don’t forget cherry tomatoes for garnish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt. Once the water bubbles, toss in 8 oz of fettuccine. Cook according to the package, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, firm but tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Slice 2 boneless chicken breasts into thin pieces. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping until golden brown. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and put it aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and develop flavor. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until coated. If it's too thick, add some reserved pasta water to get your desired creaminess. To get a smooth and creamy sauce, start with heavy cream. It gives richness to the dish. When you add the cream, let it simmer slowly. This helps it thicken nicely. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up without losing flavor. Fresh basil is key to this dish. Use whole leaves and chop them just before adding to the sauce. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh. You can also add a pinch of lemon zest. It brings out the basil's natural sweetness. If you want more basil taste, add extra chopped leaves once the dish is ready. For this recipe, you need a large pot for the pasta. A big skillet works best for the chicken and sauce. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. Use a sharp knife for chopping the basil. Lastly, keep a measuring cup handy for the pasta water and cream. This setup makes cooking easy and fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Always opt for fresh basil over dried for a vibrant flavor that elevates the dish. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente for the best texture. This helps it hold up better when mixed with the sauce. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, adding reserved pasta water gradually helps achieve the desired creaminess. Enhance Presentation: Garnish with additional basil and Parmesan for a beautiful finish that looks as good as it tastes. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp adds a nice twist. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. You can also use turkey or tofu. Both options give a different but tasty flavor. For a heartier meal, try using sausage. Just slice it thin and cook it well. If you need to avoid gluten, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great options today. Look for brands made from rice or chickpeas. They cook differently, so check the package for time. This way, you can enjoy creamy basil pasta without worry. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach or kale works well. Toss them in during the last minute of cooking pasta. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini. Just sauté them with the chicken. They will give a fresh taste to your dish. Once you finish your creamy basil chicken pasta, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store it right away to keep it safe. You can freeze creamy basil chicken pasta, but texture may change. Let it cool completely first. Then, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream. This helps restore the creaminess. Heat on low until hot, stirring often. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use dried basil. However, fresh basil has a brighter flavor. Use about one tablespoon of dried basil to replace one cup of fresh basil. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less. If you decide to use dried basil, add it early in the cooking process. This allows it to release its flavor. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half. It has less fat but works in sauces. You can also mix milk with butter to create a creamy base. Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter for a good option. For a lighter dish, use Greek yogurt or cashew cream. Creamy pasta lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or more cream to restore the sauce's texture. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. In this post, we explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making creamy pasta. I shared tips for a rich texture and enhancing flavors. You learned about variations like protein swaps and gluten-free options. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Cooking creamy pasta is simple and rewarding. Now, you have the tools to impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!$

Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy basil sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
8 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to garnish Cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to serving plates, and top with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve the pasta in deep bowls, drizzling a touch more olive oil on top and garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan can also enhance the visual appeal.

Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, pasta