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–+ servings

Easy Chicken Tomato Basil Rigatoni

Rose
This Easy Chicken Tomato Basil Rigatoni is a comforting, family-friendly pasta dish made with tender chicken, rich tomato basil sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s versatile, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet or saucepan
  • large pot
  • colander
  • hand blender (optional)
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz rigatoni (or penne)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, cubed
  • 56 oz tomato purée (2 cans)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (for finishing)
  • 3–4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, diced carrot, and oregano; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in tomato purée and stir to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in grated parmesan and continue simmering for another 5–10 minutes.
  • If using fresh chicken, season with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Blend the sauce until smooth using a hand blender if desired. Return to the pan and add cooked chicken, drained rigatoni, butter, extra parmesan, and chopped basil. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  • Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil or parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Under-cook pasta slightly if simmering with sauce to prevent mushy texture. Add fresh basil at the end for the brightest flavor. For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Add red pepper flakes for heat or mozzarella for a baked version.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg
Keyword chicken rigatoni, easy chicken pasta, family dinner recipe, tomato basil pasta
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