When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the vibrant and flavorful Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni. Picture this: perfectly al dente rigatoni coated in a luscious sauce bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and tender pieces of chicken. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake The kitchen fills with the delightful scent of fresh herbs and roasted tomatoes, making it nearly impossible to resist. Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your palate. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Recipe recipe.
Now, let me take you back to that one summer evening when I decided to impress my friends with this delightful recipe. As they entered my kitchen, the aroma wafted through the air like an invitation to gather around the dinner table. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Recipe Little did they know, this was more than just dinner; it was a culinary adventure that would lead to laughter, shared stories, and empty plates.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is super easy to whip up on busy weeknights
- It bursts with flavor thanks to fresh ingredients and is visually stunning with its vibrant colors
- Versatile enough for family dinners or cozy get-togethers, it’s bound to impress everyone at your table
I remember one friend taking a bite and exclaiming, “This tastes like summer on a fork!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: Homemade Chorizo Pizza.
- Rigatoni Pasta: Choose your favorite brand; look for bronze-cut pasta for a better sauce cling.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe ones; their sweet juiciness elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh Basil: Nothing beats the aroma of freshly torn basil leaves; it’s like magic in a bowl.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic punch; it’s essential for flavor depth.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; trust me, it makes a difference.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan on top before serving for an irresistible finishing touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously for balanced flavors; taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your counter. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and halve those delightful cherry tomatoes.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 10-12 minutes should do it.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes—then remove from skillet.
Add Garlic & Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté until tomatoes burst and soften—around 5-7 minutes—filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained rigatoni and chopped basil. Toss everything together gently so each piece gets covered in sauce—this step creates pure magic!
Add Parmesan & Serve!: Finish by grating fresh parmesan over the dish while it’s still warm. Serve hot garnished with more basil if desired, and watch as your guests dive in!
Now you’ve created an incredible meal that not only satisfies but brings joy through its vibrant flavors! Whether it’s a cozy family night or hosting friends for dinner, this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni will surely become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
You Must Know
- This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni dish is a delightful mix of flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings
- The fresh tomatoes burst with juiciness, while the basil adds a fragrant touch
- It’s an easy yet impressive meal that will wow your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the vibrant sauce. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly timed and hot when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherry tomatoes for sun-dried ones or add a kick with red pepper flakes. Customizing keeps it exciting and allows you to adapt based on seasonal ingredients.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it enhances flavor significantly
- Make sure to salt your pasta water generously; this is where much of the flavor comes from
- Finally, don’t overcook the rigatoni; al dente texture is key!
Cooking this dish reminds me of family dinners where laughter filled the air and flavors danced on our plates, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.
FAQ
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Searing at high heat before cooking thoroughly locks in moisture and flavor.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly with this flavorful sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or chickpeas for a tasty veggie version!
Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni, a comforting dish that transforms fresh ingredients into a culinary delight. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all enveloped in perfectly cooked rigatoni. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish will captivate your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Boil salted water and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until tomatoes burst (5-7 minutes).
- Return chicken to skillet along with drained rigatoni and chopped basil. Toss gently to combine.
- Top with grated Parmesan while warm, garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
