Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels like a summer celebration on your plate, the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet! Imagine juicy cherry tomatoes bursting into a fresh, glossy sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni noodles, and tender pieces of chicken all tangled up with fragrant basil and melty Parmesan. In just 30 minutes, you have a dish that brings the bright flavors of your favorite Italian trattoria right into your own kitchen—comforting, colorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of everyday staples come together to create something truly sensational. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor, adding texture, or bringing that inviting pop of color to your Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe.
- Rigatoni pasta: The hearty tubes are perfect for catching that juicy tomato sauce and bits of chicken in every bite.
- Olive oil: Gives a subtle fruitiness and helps everything sauté to perfection.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and protein-packed goodness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer, so don’t be shy—taste and adjust!
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and a familiar Italian flair to the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: The stars of the show, their sweetness and color make this dish truly pop.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little subtle kick, just enough to keep things interesting.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness and helps create a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty depth—save extra for serving!
- Chopped fresh basil: Infuses the entire dish with a summery aroma and vibrant green flecks.
- Butter: Swirled in at the end, it gives the sauce a luscious finish.
How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Set a large pot of salted water on to boil and cook the rigatoni to al dente perfection, following package instructions. Before you drain the noodles, scoop out half a cup of the pasta water to reserve for later—this liquid gold helps bind the sauce. Drain the rigatoni and set it aside while you start building your flavor base.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper, then add them into the hot skillet. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping as needed, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Scoop out the chicken and set it aside on a plate—you’ll bring it back in soon.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Burst Tomatoes
With the chicken out, reduce the skillet heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant and not browned. Add your cherry tomatoes and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the tomatoes begin to burst open and release their sweet juices. Lightly mash some of the tomatoes with a spoon to make the sauce extra luscious.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir the chicken broth into the skillet, letting everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to bring together all those tomatoey, garlicky flavors. This helps to form a vibrant sauce that will coat every noodle later.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add your drained rigatoni pasta, butter, and grated Parmesan. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are coated with that tomato-basil sauce. If it seems a little too thick, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right—glossy and clingy, but not soupy.
Step 6: Finish with Basil and Serve
Turn off the heat and gently fold in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you might like a touch more salt, pepper, or an extra sprinkle of cheese. Serve the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe warm, with extra Parmesan on the side for good measure!
How to Serve Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish is what takes your pasta from everyday dinner to something that feels truly special. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few extra basil leaves, or even a drizzle of fruity extra-virgin olive oil works wonders atop your hot bowl of Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe. A little cracked black pepper also adds a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair your pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini also make lovely sides. These light additions let the star flavors of your Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl, topped with a flurry of basil and Parmesan. Or, for a cozy weeknight, scoop the rigatoni into pre-warmed individual bowls. For a fun twist, try baking individual portions topped with a little more cheese under the broiler until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe stores beautifully! Transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it great for next-day lunches or a speedy dinner repeat.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions for future cravings, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the fresh basil—add that just before serving. The dish will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Stir in a little extra chopped basil and fresh cheese just before serving to bring back those just-made flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even fusilli are all delicious alternatives if rigatoni isn’t handy. Just aim for a sturdy tube or short shape that will catch the sauce nicely.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or even white beans for a protein boost and satisfying flavor.
Can I add cream to the sauce?
Definitely. If you’re craving a slightly richer, silkier sauce, swirl in a splash of heavy cream after the tomatoes have burst and simmered with broth. It makes the dish decadently creamy without overpowering the fresh tomato and basil notes.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a whisper of heat, but you can adjust the quantity or skip it entirely if you prefer a milder dish. Feel free to let your personal taste dictate the spice level!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Certainly! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra flavor and remain wonderfully juicy. Just cut them up the same way and cook as directed. The Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe will still be absolutely mouthwatering.
Final Thoughts
I promise this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe will win you over with its bright flavors, cozy comfort, and quick prep time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, give it a try—and don’t forget to finish with a flourish of basil and cheese! Happy cooking!
Print
Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful dish, this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe combines juicy cherry tomatoes, tender chicken, and fresh basil in a rich tomato sauce served over al dente rigatoni pasta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Rigatoni Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken, cook until golden, set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add tomatoes and pepper, cook until tomatoes burst. Add broth, simmer. Return chicken, add pasta, butter, cheese. Toss.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in basil, adjust seasoning, serve warm with extra cheese.
Notes
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier sauce.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
