There’s something incredibly comforting about a pasta dish that brings together juicy chicken, a rich tomato cream sauce, and vibrant fresh basil. This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Rotini recipe is exactly that—simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when guests come over. Using rotini pasta gives the perfect little pockets to hold onto all that luscious sauce, creating a mouthwatering bite every time. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together quickly, making it one of those go-to meals you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation. Whether you’re craving something warm and cheesy or a fresh twist on classic tomato basil flavors, this dish delivers on all fronts.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Rich, creamy sauce: The combination of heavy cream and crushed tomatoes creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to every piece of rotini.
Fresh basil flavor: Adding a generous amount of fresh basil gives the dish a fragrant, herbaceous brightness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinners.
Protein-packed: Tender diced chicken breast makes this meal satisfying and filling without being heavy.
One-pot wonder (almost): Minimal cleanup as the sauce and chicken cook together before tossing with pasta.

Shopping List

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Before You Start: Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Colander for draining pasta

Cook Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Rotini Like This

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream and Basil

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly add the chopped fresh basil, saving a little for garnish. Let the sauce gently simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy tomato basil sauce. Add the drained rotini pasta, tossing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the creamy tomato basil chicken rotini, garnish with the remaining fresh basil, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

In-Season Swaps

Fresh tomatoes: When tomatoes are in season, swap canned crushed tomatoes for 3 cups of fresh, diced tomatoes simmered down until saucy.
Herb variations: Try swapping basil for fresh oregano or thyme for a different herbaceous note.
Cheese options: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a mild Asiago cheese for a twist on the flavor.
Pasta shapes: Feel free to swap rotini for penne or fusilli to hold the sauce just as well.

If You’re Curious

Wondering what makes this pasta so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy and tangy from the tomato and cream, with fresh basil adding an aromatic finish. The diced chicken adds protein and heartiness without overwhelming the delicate sauce. Plus, rotini’s spiral shape traps the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Looking to explore similar dishes? You might love the Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne for a cheesy baked pasta twist or the fresh and flavorful Roasted Tomato Burrata Cavatappi for a creamy, tomato-forward pasta option.

Storage Pro Tips

To store leftovers, transfer any uneaten creamy tomato basil chicken rotini to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid curdling. This dish can also be frozen, but fresh basil is best added after reheating to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Quick Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for catching the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would work beautifully with this creamy tomato basil chicken sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative to reduce calories while still maintaining creaminess.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap the rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and chicken remain the same, so it’s an easy adjustment.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Make sure not to overcook the diced chicken in the skillet. Cook it just until no longer pink inside, then add it back to the sauce to finish cooking gently and stay tender.

Reader Favorites

Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne – A cheesy, comforting baked pasta casserole with layers of flavor.
Roasted Tomato Burrata Cavatappi – A creamy pasta dish with roasted tomatoes and fresh burrata cheese.

In Closing

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Rotini is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil is timeless and endlessly satisfying. Plus, it’s fast enough to whip up after a busy day but elegant enough to impress. Keep this recipe in your dinner arsenal for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavor. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, tomato-rich bite!

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