One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes check all the boxes like this creamy, savory, and just-a-touch-sweet One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni. Rich with Italian flavor, tender chunks of chicken, a sweet-savory garlic glaze, and that unmistakable kiss of fresh basil, this dish is what pasta dreams are made of.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight but decadent enough to impress guests. And best of all? It’s made entirely in one pot. That means fewer dishes, easier cleanup, and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta

• ✅ Creamy and luxurious without being too heavy
• ✅ Balanced sweetness from honey and richness from garlic and tomato
• ✅ One-pot convenience for easy cleanup
• ✅ Family-friendly, date-night-approved
• ✅ Elevated comfort food that looks and tastes gourmet

A Dish With a Story: From Sunday Dinner to Social Media Favorite

The idea for this recipe came one quiet Sunday afternoon. I was craving something cozy, indulgent, and deeply flavorful—something that combined my love of creamy tomato sauces with the kind of garlic-basil kick that only Italian-inspired dishes deliver.

I added honey to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and give it a soft caramelized undertone. The first time I made it, I knew it was going to be a regular in my rotation. One bite and it instantly became a “save this recipe” dish.

It’s now a favorite in my kitchen—and judging by the buzz it’s getting online (and this mouthwatering photo), it’s easy to see why.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamy chicken rigatoni dish uses simple pantry staples and fresh flavors:

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 2½–3 cups chicken broth (enough to cook pasta in the pot)

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni

🍳 Prep Time: 10 minutes

⏱ Cook Time: 25 minutes

🕰 Total Time: 35 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4 generous servings

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same pot, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it out for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, honey, and seasonings (Italian herbs, chili flakes). Simmer gently for 3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Broth

Return the chicken to the pot, then add the uncooked rigatoni and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer & Stir

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Finish Creamy Magic

Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped basil. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes until silky and thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, cracked pepper, and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta — It continues to soften even after cooking.
• Use fresh basil at the end for maximum flavor pop.
• Want it spicier? Add a bit more chili flake or a splash of hot sauce.
• Prefer a dairy-free version? Sub coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheat:

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve with It

• Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs = perfection.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp, creamy, and the perfect contrast.
• Roasted Veggies – Like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Variations & Add-Ons

• Add Mushrooms for earthy depth
• Use Shrimp or Sausage instead of chicken
• Make It Cheesy with mozzarella on top
• Add Spinach or Kale for greens lovers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use penne instead of rigatoni?

Yes! Penne or ziti are great substitutes—just adjust cook time slightly.

Is the honey necessary?

The honey balances the acidity of the tomato. You can reduce it, but don’t skip it entirely unless subbing with maple syrup or brown sugar.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—use mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I make it thicker?

Simmer uncovered after adding cream, or add a bit of cornstarch slurry.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, but blend slightly or cook longer to soften the texture.