Creamy Basil Chicken Rotini
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Creamy Basil Chicken Rotini, a comforting pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender chicken tenderloins sautéed with aromatic garlic and onion, combined with the freshness of torn basil and sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. The rotini pasta captures every bite, making it a family favorite. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a rich finish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
4
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
2 cups (Cook according to package directions)
Chicken tenderloins
3/4 lb (Cut into bite-sized chunks)
Yellow onion
1 small (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (Chopped)
Fresh basil
1 cup (Torn and packed)
Diced tomatoes (garlic & onion)
1 (14.5 ounce) can (Drained)
Sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons (Dry in package, not packed in oil)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
2. While the skillet is warming up, bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions, timing it to finish when the chicken mixture is ready.
3
3. In the heated skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and translucent.
4
4. Next, add the chicken chunks to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is mostly cooked through. During this stage, season with a sprinkle of ground pepper to enhance the flavor.
5
5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and add half of the torn basil. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the basil wilts and the mixture is heated through.
6
6. Now, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining basil. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes to soften the sun-dried tomatoes and blend the flavors.
7
7. Drain the pasta and serve the chicken mixture spooned generously over the top. Finally, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil Chicken Rotini?
Creamy Basil Chicken Rotini is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken tenderloins, garlic, onion, fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in a serving of Creamy Basil Chicken Rotini?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of rotini pasta.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 3/4 pound of chicken tenderloins cut into bite-sized chunks.
What kind of onion should be used?
The recipe uses one small yellow onion, chopped.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Three chopped garlic cloves are used for seasoning.
How much fresh basil is used and how is it prepared?
Use 1 cup of fresh basil that has been torn and packed.
What type of canned tomatoes are recommended?
One 14.5-ounce can of drained diced tomatoes with garlic and onion flavor is recommended.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I buy?
Use 2 tablespoons of dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes rather than those packed in oil.
How much fat is in this dish?
This dish contains 6 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for about 1 minute until they are fragrant and translucent.
How long should the chicken be cooked?
Cook the chicken chunks for 3 to 5 minutes until they are mostly cooked through.
When do I add the ground pepper?
Add a sprinkle of ground pepper while the chicken is cooking in the skillet to enhance the flavor.
When should the fresh basil be added?
Add half of the basil with the diced tomatoes, and the remaining half later with the sun-dried tomatoes.
How long does the tomato and basil mixture need to simmer?
Simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the basil wilts and everything is heated through.
What is the final simmering step?
After adding sun-dried tomatoes and the rest of the basil, simmer for an additional 2 minutes to soften the tomatoes.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the chicken mixture spooned generously over the drained rotini pasta.
What cheese is recommended for a finishing touch?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
What cuisine style does this recipe follow?
This dish is inspired by Italian cuisine.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with its lean protein and 200 calories per serving, it is classified as a healthy meal.
Do I need oil to cook the chicken?
The recipe suggests using a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How do I coordinate cooking the pasta?
Start boiling the water while the skillet warms and time the pasta to finish exactly when the chicken mixture is ready.
What is the main category for this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Chicken category.
Why is rotini used for this dish?
Rotini is used because its shape is excellent for capturing the sauce and chicken in every bite.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While it involves a pot for pasta and a skillet for sauce, it is tagged as a one-pot style meal due to its simplicity.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The primary flavors come from fresh basil, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared before adding to the pan?
The diced tomatoes should be drained of their excess liquid before being added to the skillet.