Gemelli with Chicken and Vegetables in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Gemelli with Chicken and Vegetables in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce, a dish that brilliantly blends tender gemelli pasta, juicy chicken breast, and fresh garden vegetables in a velvety, herb-infused sauce. This hearty recipe highlights vibrant cherry tomatoes and zucchini, simmered to perfection in a rich combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fragrant basil. A touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds savory depth, while optional red pepper flakes offer a subtle kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this 45-minute pasta dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining restaurant-quality flavor with the ease of home cooking. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for an Italian-inspired meal everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Gemelli pasta
• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Crushed canned tomatoes
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gemelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes, heavy cream, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the cooked gemelli pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Step 8

Garnish with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2025.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3364.9

Total Fat 151.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 615.8mg	0%
Sodium 4414.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 283.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.0g	0%
Total Sugars 27.9g
Protein 195.1g	0%

Vitamin D 17.4IU	0%
Calcium 1353.6mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 3811.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.6%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 34.6%