This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is the warm hug of pasta dishes — incredibly rich, packed with herby, garlicky chicken, a dreamy tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. And the best part? It all comes together quickly and is fully gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free eaters. Every bite is comfort food heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Velvety, Flavor-Packed Sauce: Every twirl of pasta is coated in a luscious, tangy tomato sauce made all the silkier with cream cheese or mascarpone.
- One Pan, Minimal Mess: This recipe keeps dishes to a minimum, making weeknight cleanup beautifully simple.
- Family-Friendly, Naturally Gluten-Free: It’s a dish everyone can enjoy — even your gluten- and dairy-free friends thanks to easy swaps.
- Quick Comfort in 30 Minutes: You get all the comfort of slow-cooked flavor in less than the time it takes to set the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of essential, fuss-free ingredients come together to create the irresistible depth and creaminess of this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each one is chosen for maximum flavor and texture — you likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- Gluten free pasta (175 g): Your favorite shape works — this is the hearty canvas for all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Chicken breasts (2, diced): Lean, tender protein that soaks up all the herby flavors and cooks up juicy thanks to the cornflour coating.
- Cornflour (40 g): This gives the chicken its signature light crisp and helps thicken the sauce just slightly.
- Mixed herbs (1 tbsp + 2 tsp): A blend of dried herbs (like oregano, thyme, basil, parsley) adds layers of Italian-inspired flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy here — seasoning is what draws out all the other flavors.
- Garlic-infused oil (3 tbsp): For bold savory flavor, even if you’re sensitive to garlic (it’s FODMAP-friendly when infused!).
- Chopped tomatoes (400 g): The juicy, tangy base for your creamy tomato sauce.
- Tomato puree (1 tbsp): Adds depth and intensifies that tomato flavor.
- Spinach (big handful, roughly chopped): Brings fresh color, nutrients, and a soft, delicate bite.
- Cream cheese or mascarpone (1 tbsp): The magic ingredient for creaminess — dairy-free versions work beautifully here too.
- Cheddar cheese (grated, 1 handful): A final layer of lush, melty finish. Choose a vegan cheese for dairy-free.
Variations
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is the ultimate base for variety! Swap, add, or leave out ingredients to suit your household, dietary choices, or simply what’s left in your fridge. There are so many tasty ways to make it your own.
- Add Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Switch Up the Protein: Try shrimp, cooked sausage, or keep it vegetarian with cannellini beans or extra spinach.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based cheddar or simply skip the cheese for a lighter dish.
- Try a Different Pasta: This creamy sauce is fantastic with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti — use whatever gluten-free pasta is your favorite or on hand.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cook your gluten free pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside — toss it with a dash of oil if you want to keep it from sticking while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Coat and Sauté the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with cornflour, mixed herbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Once each piece is nicely coated, heat the garlic-infused oil in a large frying pan. Add the chicken and fry on medium until golden, crispy at the edges, and cooked through. Set aside on a plate; the crispy coating soaks up the sauce later!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
In a separate, larger pan, pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, dried mixed herbs, and the remaining garlic oil. Let everything simmer on medium heat for a minute or two to blend the flavors — your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Pasta
Add the roughly chopped spinach and cook just until it starts to wilt. Then, tip in your cooked gluten free pasta. Stir well so every piece gets beautifully coated in the tomato sauce.
Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touches
Stir in a big spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone until the sauce looks creamy and glossy. Return the cooked, herby chicken to the pan and mix through, letting all the flavors mingle. Top with a big handful of grated cheddar and let it melt just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Cornflour Chicken Coating: Don’t skip the cornflour step — it creates a light, crisp crust and keeps the chicken ultra juicy as it simmers in the sauce.
- Garlic-Infused Oil Magic: This adds bold flavor without overpowering the sauce — make sure to use a light touch so it enhances, not overwhelms, every bite.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: If you like your pasta extra saucy, save a splash of pasta cooking water to thin the sauce to your perfect silky consistency at the end.
- The Cheese Melt Moment: Add the cheese at the very end — let it just melt in the heat of the sauce for pockets of gooey goodness without getting greasy.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley instantly brightens this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. You can also add extra grated cheese or even a dusting of cracked black pepper and chili flakes for a little kick. Don’t forget a drizzle more of garlic-infused oil for extra sheen and aroma!
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread (gluten-free if needed) to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini also balance out the rich flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in big, shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or spoon it into mini ramekins for individual bakes topped with extra cheese. For an elegant touch, twirl the pasta high in the center of each plate and garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for restaurant-worthy style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. For the best results, cool portions first, then pack into individual freezer containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to bring back creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to avoid drying out. Top with a little extra cheese to freshen up the flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?
Absolutely! This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe works just as well with your favorite regular pasta — simply cook according to the package instructions and proceed as written.
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Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes — just use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar in place of the regular ones. The sauce stays creamy and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy it!
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How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken pieces are fully cooked when they’re golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. For extra reassurance, check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
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Can I double the recipe for meal prep or a family dinner?
Definitely! This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Use a larger pan and increase ingredient quantities as needed; leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with true Italian-inspired soul, you have to try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, hearty, and absolutely loaded with flavor — the kind of dish you’ll make again and again. Pour yourself a glass of something lovely, call your favorite people, and dig in!
PrintCreamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken chunks coated in herbs with a creamy tomato and spinach sauce, served over gluten-free pasta and topped with grated cheese.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 175g gluten-free pasta
For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch chunks
- 40g cornflour
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil
For the sauce:
- 400g chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tbsp garlic-infused oil
- 1 big handful spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp cream cheese or mascarpone (dairy-free if necessary)
- 1 handful cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, coat the diced chicken with cornflour, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat garlic-infused oil in a frying pan and cook the coated chicken until crispy and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a separate pan, combine chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, mixed herbs, and garlic oil. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Add the cooked pasta.
- Add the cream: Stir in cream cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine: Mix in the herby chicken and top with grated cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg