This Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta is packed with fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and a vibrant basil oil. A perfect comfort dish ready in under 45 minutes.
Author:Emily Parker
Prep Time:15 mins
Cook Time:30 mins
Total Time:45 mins
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian American
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz penne pasta
6 boneless chicken breast cutlets
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried mustard
3 cups grape tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, whole
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Sea salt to taste
1½ cups reserved pasta water
1 ball fresh mozzarella
½ cup extra virgin olive oil (for basil oil)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, mustard, and salt. Rest for 10-15 minutes.
2. Blend basil leaves, olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt to make basil oil. Set aside.
3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups pasta water before draining.
4. Sear marinated chicken in a skillet until cooked through. Rest and slice.
5. In the same pan, sauté grape tomatoes in olive oil until skins burst. Add whole garlic, chili flakes, and salt.
6. Stir in tomato paste and half the pasta water. Simmer covered for 5 minutes.
7. Mash tomatoes slightly, add cooked pasta and remaining pasta water. Toss to coat.
8. Top with sliced chicken, drizzle with basil oil, and garnish with torn mozzarella. Serve hot.
Notes
Use soft, ripe tomatoes for the best sauce texture.