This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is creamy, cozy, fresh, and packed with flavor. Juicy seasoned chicken is served over tender rigatoni tossed in a rich burst cherry tomato sauce made with garlic, onion, tomato paste, white wine, cream, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and lots of fresh basil.
It’s the kind of pasta dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight. The cherry tomatoes cook down until sweet and saucy, the cream adds richness, and the fresh basil gives every bite a bright, summery finish.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rigatoni
- Creamy and flavorful
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Made with simple ingredients
- Protein-packed with juicy chicken
- Perfect for weeknight dinner
- Easy to customize
- Great with extra veggies
- Can be made less spicy for kids
- Delicious as leftovers
- Comforting but still fresh
What Makes This Pasta So Good?
The best part of this recipe is the burst cherry tomato sauce. As the tomatoes cook, they soften, split, and release their natural juices, creating a sweet and savory base. Tomato paste adds depth, white wine adds brightness, and heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and luxurious.
The chicken is seasoned simply with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then seared until golden. When served over the creamy tomato basil rigatoni, it turns into a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 to 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 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 chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
For Garnish
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Extra fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
Ingredient Notes
Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe. For extra juicy results, slice the chicken breasts thinner before cooking so they sear evenly.
Rigatoni
Rigatoni is great because the sauce clings to the ridges and fills the hollow center. Penne, ziti, fusilli, or shells also work.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes become sweet, juicy, and saucy as they cook. They are the star of this pasta sauce.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste deepens the flavor and gives the sauce a richer tomato taste.
White Wine
Dry white wine adds brightness and helps deglaze the pan. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works well.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream makes the sauce silky and rich. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil brings the whole dish together with a bright, herby finish.
How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner pieces.
Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
In the same skillet, add ¼ cup of the white wine.
Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the wine reduce slightly. This adds amazing flavor to the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Tomatoes
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add the diced onion, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and kosher salt.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the tomatoes and release their juices.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the remaining white wine or chicken broth.
Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and half of the fresh basil.
Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.
Step 8: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet.
Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy tomato basil sauce.
Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in the parmesan cheese.
Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 9: Serve
Slice the cooked chicken.
Serve the chicken over the creamy tomato basil rigatoni.
Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Rigatoni
Salt the Pasta Water
Salted pasta water gives the pasta flavor from the inside out.
Save Pasta Water
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Do Not Rush the Tomatoes
Let the cherry tomatoes cook until they burst and release their juices. This creates the base of the sauce.
Bloom the Tomato Paste
Cooking the tomato paste for a minute before adding liquid makes the sauce richer and less acidic.
Slice the Chicken Before Serving
Slicing the chicken makes it easier to serve and allows every plate to get juicy pieces.
Add Basil at the End
Fresh basil tastes best when added near the end so it stays bright and fragrant.
Easy Variations
Make It Less Spicy
Skip the red pepper flakes for a mild, kid-friendly pasta.
Add Spinach
Stir in 2 cups fresh chopped spinach after adding the parmesan cheese.
Add Pesto
Stir in ¼ cup basil pesto with the heavy cream for extra herb flavor.
Make It Dairy-Free
Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the parmesan or use dairy-free parmesan.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice pasta works well.
Make It Vegetarian
Skip the chicken and add chickpeas, white beans, butter beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
Use Another Protein
Try Italian sausage, meatballs, shrimp, canned tuna, or chicken thighs.
What to Serve with Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni
This pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Green salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Caprese salad
- Garlic knots
- Sautéed zucchini
- Lemon arugula salad
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the microwave until warm.
You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very juicy.
Can I Use Another Pasta Shape?
Yes. Penne, ziti, fusilli, shells, or farfalle all work.
Can I Make This Without Wine?
Yes. Use chicken broth instead of white wine.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add a splash of pasta water, broth, or cream when reheating.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or broccoli are great additions.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 480 to 550
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition may vary depending on pasta, cream, cheese, and chicken used.
Final Thoughts
This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is creamy, comforting, and full of fresh tomato basil flavor. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve for guests.
With juicy chicken, tender rigatoni, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, parmesan, cream, and fresh basil, this pasta is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh.