If you’re craving something equal parts comforting and wow-worthy, the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe has your name written all over it! Imagine hearty rigatoni tossed with juicy sautéed chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes that burst into their own vibrant sauce, and a swirl of creamy Parmesan magic to bring it all together. Finished with torn, fragrant basil, each forkful is bursting with color, flavor, and pure happiness. This is more than just a pasta night; it’s a quick, restaurant-level meal you’ll want to make over and over.

Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What gives this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe its irresistible allure is how simple, yet perfectly chosen, each ingredient is. Every item brings its own flair, from fresh texture to rich flavor—no random extras here, just pure delicious purpose.

Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and satisfying bites.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality oil for a subtle, peppery finish that supports those fresh flavors.
Salt and pepper: The foundation that brings balance and depth to every bite.
Cherry tomatoes: These little gems burst into a naturally sweet, juicy sauce after just a few minutes of heat.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides an aromatic background that elevates the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle heat and a little kick to the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps build that silky sauce base.
Heavy cream: Turns all those bright tomato juices into a rich, luxurious coating.
Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty pop that makes the sauce creamy and addictive.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn by hand for bursts of summery herbal flavor and gorgeous green color.
Additional Parmesan and basil: A sprinkle on top looks stunning and makes a big flavor difference.

How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package directions—usually about 10–12 minutes until al dente. Drain it, but don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside while you tackle the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then sauté them for 5–6 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. The trick is not to overcrowd the pan so each piece gets lovely caramelization. Once the chicken is done, scoop it out and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Burst Those Tomatoes

Add another splash of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in your cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they heat up, you’ll see their skins split and juices start to pool in the pan—a sure sign it’s time for the next step. These jammy tomatoes are what give the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe its signature flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Once the tomatoes have burst, stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic smells super fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let everything bubble together for 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce reduce a little.

Step 5: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

Lower the heat, then swirl in the heavy cream and generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan. Stir while the cheese melts—this is where your sauce takes on that dreamy, creamy texture. It should look glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Add your cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the drained rigatoni. Toss everything until the pasta and chicken are coated in that rosy, creamy tomato sauce. Turn off the heat and stir in your torn basil just before serving so it stays fresh and vibrant. That’s it—you’re ready to plate up!

How to Serve Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, shower each bowl with extra fresh Parmesan and a flurry of bright green basil. The cheese will gently melt into the sauce and the basil will pop for a fresh, just-picked finish. Don’t be shy—these final touches truly make your Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe sing.

Side Dishes

This luscious pasta plays well with simple, fresh sides. A peppery arugula salad with olive oil and lemon is a perfect match, or you could go classic with warm garlic bread. Want extra veggies? Steam up some green beans or quickly sautéed zucchini.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to wow, serve this pasta in a big, shallow platter for a dramatic, family-style presentation. Or portion it into individual bowls and top each with a nest of basil. For date night, use contrasting pasta plates to make those fiery reds and gorgeous greens pop even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any left after dinner (it’s a big “if”), scoop your Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, making for a stellar lunch or a fuss-free dinner later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but creamy sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. For best results, let the pasta cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Use within two months, and know it’s still delicious—just expect a slightly less silky texture after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to help bring back that creamy sauce. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway to heat everything evenly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breast?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or have leftover roast chicken, simply shred it and stir it in during the last step. Using rotisserie chicken makes this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe even quicker and just as delicious.

What pasta shapes can I substitute for rigatoni?

Penne, ziti, or even fusilli all work beautifully. The main idea is to use a short, sturdy cut that will latch onto that creamy sauce and tomato goodness.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Just leave out the chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also toss in sautéed zucchini or spinach for extra veggies, making the Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe just as hearty and satisfying.

Can I add more vegetables?

Go for it! Stir in baby spinach, zucchini, or even sliced bell peppers right after the tomatoes burst. They’ll cook quickly and complement the dish’s flavors perfectly.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

It does! Store portions in meal prep containers and refrigerate. The flavors develop even more overnight, making your next-day lunch extra tasty. Add a fresh splash of basil and cheese just before you dig in.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes are as satisfying and crowd-pleasing as this Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe. It’s comfort, color, and flavor wrapped up in one gorgeous bowl. If you’re looking for a quick, memorable meal that tastes like summer all year long, give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first forkful!

Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a delightful and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week!

Ingredients

Rigatoni Pasta:

12 oz

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces):

1 lb

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Salt and Pepper:

to taste

Cherry Tomatoes:

3 cups

Garlic (minced):

4 cloves

Red Pepper Flakes:

1/4 teaspoon

Chicken Broth:

1/2 cup

Heavy Cream:

1/3 cup

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Fresh Basil Leaves (torn):

1/2 cup

Additional Parmesan and Basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the rigatoni: Cook the rigatoni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the chicken: Season and sauté the chicken until cooked through and golden. Remove and set aside.
Cook the cherry tomatoes: Cook the cherry tomatoes until they burst. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, simmer, then add cream and Parmesan. Return chicken to the skillet.
Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, add basil, and garnish before serving.