Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it brings together fresh ingredients with a creamy, satisfying sauce that coats every piece of pasta. I can prepare it in about 40 minutes, making it ideal when I want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I also like that I can customize the vegetables, pasta shapes, and seasonings to suit my taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• cherry or grape tomatoes
• olive oil
• butter
• garlic, minced
• fresh spinach
• heavy cream
• chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• fresh basil leaves
• Italian seasoning
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt
• black pepper

Directions

1. I cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve a little pasta water.
2. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking it in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. I remove it from the pan and slice it.
3. I add the cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and cook them over high heat until their skins blister and char slightly.
4. I stir in the butter and garlic, cooking just until fragrant.
5. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
6. I mix in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. I add the spinach and cook until it wilts before stirring in the fresh basil.
8. I return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If needed, I add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
9. I serve the pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• I substitute shrimp for the chicken to create a seafood version.
• I use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor.
• I add mushrooms for extra heartiness.
• I replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• I stir in mozzarella cheese for an even creamier finish.
• I use gluten-free pasta when I need a gluten-free meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I do not recommend freezing the finished dish because the cream sauce may separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. I often use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and add extra flavor.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I like using penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine because they hold the creamy sauce well, but almost any pasta shape works.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I prepare the components in advance and store them separately before combining and reheating them just before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. I enjoy adding mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

How do I keep the cream sauce from becoming too thick?

I simply stir in a little reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or cream while reheating until the sauce reaches the consistency I like.

Conclusion

I think this Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta is a wonderful combination of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. The juicy chicken, blistered tomatoes, tender spinach, fragrant basil, and creamy Parmesan sauce create a satisfying meal that I can enjoy any time of the year. Whether I make it for a family dinner or serve it to guests, it always feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta

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This Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta combines juicy chicken, blistered tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and comes together in about 40 minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, then remove and slice.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and cook over high heat until blistered and lightly charred.
4. Stir in the butter and garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer for a few minutes.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in the fresh basil.
8. Return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

• Substitute shrimp for the chicken for a seafood variation.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes or add mushrooms for additional flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to maintain a creamy texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg