Quick Chicken Basil Pasta for Busy Weeknights – Easy 30-Min Dinner Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to turn a busy weeknight into something delicious and comforting?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to cook a meal that feels homemade, nourishing, and deeply satisfying can feel like a small miracle. Yet, tucked inside our culinary traditions are simple pasta dishes—born from practicality—that deliver big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. This Quick Chicken Basil Pasta is inspired by that timeless wisdom: use fresh ingredients, cook with care, and let simplicity shine. 🍃🍝

This recipe is the kind you’ll come back to again and again. Tender chicken pieces, gently sautéed until golden, mingle with warm garlic, sweet basil, and perfectly cooked pasta. The sauce clings lovingly to every strand, bringing comfort without heaviness. It’s the sort of dish that feels just as right on a rushed Tuesday as it does when shared leisurely with family around the table.

Rooted in classic home cooking, this pasta respects tradition while embracing modern life. You won’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients—just a pan, a pot, and a little heart. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or prepping meals ahead, this recipe fits beautifully into real life. So tie on your apron, take a deep breath, and let’s cook something wonderful together. 😊

Ingredients 🧄🍗

For the Pasta Base

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Chicken & Sauce

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)

For Fresh Flavor

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional but lovely)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳👣

1. Bring comfort to a boil.
   Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
2. Prepare the chicken with care.
   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes so they develop a gentle golden color.
3. Season and sauté.
   Stir the chicken, then add garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and fragrant. The garlic should be soft, never browned.
4. Bring it together.
   Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss gently so everything is coated and glossy.
5. Finish with tradition.
   Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more pasta water if you like a silkier finish.
6. Serve with warmth.
   Spoon into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and basil, and serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Notes & Helpful Tips 📝💡

• Fresh basil is key—add it at the very end to preserve its aroma.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• A splash of cream or mascarpone can be added for a more indulgent sauce.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully with a spoon of water.

Nutritional Information 🥗📊

This dish offers a balanced combination of lean protein, comforting carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Basil and garlic add antioxidants, while olive oil provides heart-friendly richness. It’s satisfying without being heavy—perfect for everyday enjoyment.

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!