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Creamy Chicken Basil Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful weeknight dinner that brings together tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil in a luscious cream sauce. The addition of feta cheese adds a tangy depth to the dish, making it both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is not just easy to prepare but also visually appealing, turning a simple meal into a gourmet experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken basil pasta is perfect for busy evenings when you want something quick yet delicious. With fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Flavorful: The combination of basil, feta, and garlic creates a burst of flavor.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup with all ingredients cooked together.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Basil Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil, mixing until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional feta and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and convenience.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and feta cheese based on your taste preferences.
- To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Ensure the pasta is drained well to avoid a watery sauce.
Easy Variations
- Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape like fusilli or spaghetti.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or sautéed mushrooms to create a vegetarian dish.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a colorful side dish.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil, mixing until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional feta and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.





















