How to Make Creamy Tomato-Basil Pasta with Chicken
How to Make Creamy Tomato-Basil Pasta with Chicken is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by My Food and Family on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 1 hr 1 min
Cost: $22.06 total, $5.52 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne Pasta (dry, uncooked)
- 1/2 cup Craft Sundried Tomato Dressing (store‑bought, use half for sauce and half for cooking chicken)
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into 2 large pieces or left whole)
- 1 cup Fat‑Free Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 4 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese (full‑fat, cubed)
- 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Craft Shredded Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded if possible)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (cut into thin strips)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: boiling
Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup of the sundried tomato dressing in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, cover, and cook 5‑6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium
Keep Chicken Warm & Clean Skillet
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Carefully wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.
Time: PT2M
Build the Sauce Base
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1/4 cup sundried tomato dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir and heat for about 4 minutes until the mixture is hot.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate Cream Cheese
Add the cubed Philadelphia cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk continuously for 2 minutes until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some flavor.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh basil strips. Cook for 1 minute until the Parmesan melts and the basil wilts. Serve the pasta topped with the warm chicken.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 32g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 16g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Low‑sodium version possible by using low‑sodium broth and reduced‑salt dressing
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Penne Pasta: Rigatoni, Fusilli
- Instead of Craft Sundried Tomato Dressing: Olive oil + chopped sun‑dried tomatoes, Marinara sauce
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Shrimp, Turkey breast
- Instead of Fat‑Free Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: Regular chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, Mascarpone
- Instead of Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Diced Roma tomatoes
- Instead of Craft Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried basil (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Paper Towels
- Spatula or Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook pasta al dente
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F
- Melt cream cheese completely for a smooth sauce
- Coat pasta evenly with sauce before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a whisk for the smoothest cream cheese integration.
- Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Slice the cooked chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer a few minutes longer to reduce, or add an extra 2 oz of cream cheese.
Cream cheese curdles.
Lower the heat and whisk continuously; avoid boiling after the cheese is added.
Pasta is overcooked.
Cook pasta al dente and rinse briefly with hot water before adding to the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 1 month; reheat gently and add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the pasta a day ahead, toss with a little olive oil, and refrigerate.
- The sauce can be prepared up to the point of adding the cream cheese; store separately and finish when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken in Italian‑American cuisine?
Creamy tomato pasta dishes blend classic Italian tomato sauces with American comfort‑food elements like cream cheese, creating a richer, family‑friendly version that became popular in mid‑20th‑century Italian‑American households.
What are the traditional regional variations of tomato‑basil pasta in Italy compared to this American version?
In Italy, tomato‑basil pasta is typically a simple marinara or pomodoro sauce without dairy. The American version adds cream cheese or heavy cream for extra richness, and often includes protein such as chicken or shrimp.
How is creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken traditionally served in Italian‑American families?
It is usually served hot as a main course, often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread. The chicken is sliced and placed on top of the pasta, making it a hearty one‑pan dinner.
What occasions or celebrations is creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken commonly prepared for in American households?
Because it is quick yet indulgent, families often make it for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or as a comforting meal after holidays when leftovers are needed.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include penne pasta, sundried‑tomato dressing, chicken broth, Philadelphia cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Substitutes can be olive oil with sun‑dried tomatoes, regular broth, Neufchatel cheese, or dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken?
Pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑buttered breadsticks, or a simple roasted vegetable side such as sautéed zucchini.
What makes creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The addition of Philadelphia cream cheese creates a velvety texture that bridges the bright acidity of tomato with the savory depth of chicken, offering a comforting twist on classic red‑sauce pasta.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, not cooking the chicken to a safe temperature, adding cream cheese over high heat which can cause curdling, and forgetting to season the sauce before finishing.
Why does this recipe use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for the sauce?
Cream cheese provides both richness and a slight tang that balances the acidity of the tomato base, while also thickening the sauce without the need for a roux.
Can I make creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without lumps; the cheese will have fully integrated, creating a thick but pourable consistency.
What does the YouTube channel My Food and Family specialize in?
The YouTube channel My Food and Family focuses on approachable home‑cooking recipes, often highlighting everyday ingredients like cream cheese, and provides step‑by‑step tutorials for busy families.
How does the YouTube channel My Food and Family's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
My Food and Family emphasizes quick, family‑friendly twists on classic dishes, using pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may focus on gourmet techniques or elaborate presentations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
