Gluten Free Basil Chicken Pasta has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially during the crisp, golden days of fall. As the leaves turn and evenings get chillier, this dish brings the kind of warmth that makes you want to stay in, light a candle, and gather around the table.
As someone who grew up in Tuscany, pasta was the heart of our table. I spent years mastering the traditional techniques of pasta-making, before my diagnosis changed everything. When I discovered I was gluten-intolerant, it felt like a part of my culinary identity was slipping away. But I wasn’t ready to give up the joy of a simple, flavorful bowl of pasta. I experimented, failed, and eventually succeeded in recreating the magic of Italian food, without the gluten.
This gluten free basil chicken pasta captures everything I loved about the food of my childhood: tender chicken, fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, all swirled into a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to gluten-free pasta. It’s fresh, hearty, and nourishing. And yes, it’s one of the most-requested recipes in my kitchen, and now, hopefully, yours too.
Gluten Free Basil Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- skillet
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta penne or fusilli
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup gluten-free chicken broth
- 1/2 cup coconut cream or dairy-free cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- red pepper flakes or grated hard cheese optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and cream. Let simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked chicken and drained pasta into the sauce. Stir in chopped basil and pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Plate the pasta and top with more basil or a sprinkle of gluten-free grated cheese. It’s best enjoyed immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required for this easy weeknight winner. It’s naturally gluten free, packed with protein, and simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz gluten-free penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup gluten-free chicken broth
- 1/2 cup coconut cream or dairy-free cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes or grated hard cheese
Tip: For the pasta, use a brand like Jovial or Banza, which hold up well and don’t turn mushy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Slice the chicken into thin strips. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and cream. Let simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Everything
Add cooked chicken and drained pasta into the sauce. Stir in chopped basil and pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Serve Warm
Plate the pasta and top with more basil or a sprinkle of gluten-free grated cheese. It’s best enjoyed immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook gluten-free pasta: It’s more delicate than wheat-based pasta. Aim for al dente.
- Use fresh basil: Dried basil won’t deliver the same vibrant flavor.
- Deglaze the pan: Use the chicken broth to scrape up all the bits after cooking the chicken, this adds depth to the sauce.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms if you want a bulkier dish. For ideas, see my high-volume gluten-free meals post.
Variations You’ll Love
This gluten free basil chicken pasta is easily adaptable. Here’s how to make it your own:
1. Make it Dairy-Free
Use coconut cream or any unsweetened plant-based cream. You can also skip cheese toppings or use a dairy-free alternative.
2. Add a Protein Twist
Swap chicken for baked parmesan crusted chicken for extra crunch or use shrimp if you want a pescatarian version.
3. Make It Spicier
Add a teaspoon of chili paste or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick.
4. Go Pesto-Style
Replace half the basil with homemade gluten-free pesto like I used in this recipe.
5. Make It a One-Pan Dinner
Cook the pasta in the sauce using extra broth and reduce clean-up time, just like my lemon herb chicken skillet.
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight.
Reheating Tips: Add a splash of broth or water before microwaving or reheating on the stove. This helps bring the sauce back to life.
Freezing: This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it without the basil and add that fresh once reheated.
Meal Prep: Cook and store chicken and sauce separately from pasta. Combine them fresh when serving to avoid mushiness.
Why Readers Love This Recipe
This gluten free basil chicken pasta is one of my most popular weeknight dinners because:
- It’s quick, done in under 30 minutes.
- It uses pantry staples + fresh herbs.
- It tastes indulgent but is secretly healthy.
- It’s family-friendly, dairy-optional, and meal-prep approved.
Want another quick chicken favorite? Try my quick gluten-free chicken stir fry next, it’s another reader hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gluten free basil chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes! It’s meal prep friendly. Just store pasta and sauce separately to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
I recommend Banza chickpea pasta or Jovial brown rice pasta, they hold their texture well.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Just shred and add it to the sauce for a quick shortcut.
Is this recipe low carb?
It’s not keto, but you can swap pasta for zucchini noodles like in my zoodle shrimp dish.
Final Thoughts
This gluten free basil chicken pasta proves that you don’t have to give up your Italian favorites when you go gluten free. With fresh herbs, juicy chicken, and rich flavor, it’s a bowl of pure comfort made for cool weather and cozy nights. Whether you’re hosting dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers simplicity and satisfaction with every bite.
Looking for more gluten-free pasta ideas? Don’t miss my gluten-free lasagna soup or hearty chicken taquitos