* 8 ounces whole wheat pasta * 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts * Salt and pepper to taste * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 4 cloves of garlic minced * 1 can 14.5 oz of diced tomatoes * 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped * 2 tablespoons tomato paste * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional * 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning * 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder * 2-3 tablespoons pesto store-bought or homemade
**Instructions**
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside. 4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. 5. Add the diced tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, and onion powder to the skillet and stir to combine. 6. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes or until it has thickened slightly. 7. Slice the chicken breasts and add them to the skillet with the sauce. 8. To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with the chicken and tomato-basil sauce. 9. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pesto onto the top of each serving of chicken and pasta. 10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken and Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Pesto Topping.
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**Recipe:** [https://theintelligentplate.com/healthy-cheesecake-factory-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe/](https://theintelligentplate.com/healthy-cheesecake-factory-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe/)
Helpful photos and FAQ included above!
**Ingredients**
* 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
* 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 cloves of garlic minced
* 1 can 14.5 oz of diced tomatoes
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
* 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 2-3 tablespoons pesto store-bought or homemade
**Instructions**
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, and onion powder to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
7. Slice the chicken breasts and add them to the skillet with the sauce.
8. To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with the chicken and tomato-basil sauce.
9. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pesto onto the top of each serving of chicken and pasta.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken and Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Pesto Topping.