Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, rich, and downright delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate — tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all tangled together in harmony. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite go-to for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is in the simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. I find that using fresh tomatoes and herbs really makes the sauce pop, while the combination of heavy cream and chicken broth balances richness with depth.

• Rotini pasta: I love rotini because its little twists hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but penne or fusilli work wonderfully too.
• Butter: Unsalted works best so you can control the seasoning, and it adds lovely richness to the chicken.
• Chicken breast: Skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
• Chili powder: Adds a smoky warmth — don’t skip it!
• Red chili flakes: Brings a gentle heat; adjust to taste depending on your spice tolerance.
• Salt & pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
• Tomatoes: Fresh chopped tomatoes add brightness — canned can work if fresh aren’t available.
• Green onions: They add a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor, brightening the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a lovely herby freshness, both cooked in and as garnish.
• Heavy cream (or half and half): This is the soul of the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy—half and half is a lighter option but still delicious.
• Chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the salt and deepens the flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the pasta for that gooey, cheesy finish.

Variations

I’m all for making this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe your own! Whether you want to spice it up, tone it down, or swap out ingredients, it’s flexible enough to handle it.

• Add veggies: I often toss in sliced bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some greens without losing that creamy flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese — it’s surprisingly good!
• Change proteins: Shrimp or turkey work great if you want a different protein twist.
• Adjust the heat: Play with chili powder and red pepper flakes to make it mild or fiery — just how you like it.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling the rotini pasta just until al dente — that means it should still have a tiny bit of bite when you chew it, not mushy. I like to salt my pasta water generously to give the noodles a bit of seasoning from the get-go. Once cooked, drain and set aside. Trust me; perfect pasta sets the stage for the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken with Spices

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle on chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. This seasoning combo is where the bold flavor kicks in. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through — about 5 minutes — and slightly golden. Don’t rush this part; the browning adds incredible depth.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce with Fresh Veggies

Time to add the fresh chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley right into the skillet. Give it all a good stir and cook for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and soften the tomatoes just a bit. I love this step because it brightens the dish with fresh, vibrant notes.

Step 4: Pour in Cream and Broth and Bring to a Boil

Next, add the heavy cream (or half and half if you prefer a lighter sauce) along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. This helps thicken the sauce and marry the flavors. Keep an eye on it and don’t let it boil too hard — you want a silky, smooth sauce without curdling.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finish with Cheese

Now, toss your cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce and chicken. Stir everything to coat each piece of pasta with that luscious sauce. Last but definitely not least, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and a little extra parsley if you like. Let it melt slightly before serving warm. Bonus: the cheese pull is irresistible!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish off this pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A little extra shredded mozzarella on top never hurts if you’re feeling indulgent—go for it! Sometimes, a light drizzle of good olive oil and a few cracked black pepper flakes make it even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair this meal with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or zucchini, also play nicely here for some extra color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of bright herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side. It looks restaurant-worthy but is super easy. You can also bake the pasta briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce firms up when chilled, so I recommend reheating gently with a splash of broth or water to bring back its smooth texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta before, but because of the cream, the texture changes slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, pack it without the cheese on top and add fresh cheese when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. The cheese melts again nicely this way, and you get that fresh-from-the-stove feel all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that makes the whole family happy without hours in the kitchen. I love how the sauce is indulgently creamy but balanced by fresh tomatoes and herbs. Whenever I’m pressed for time but want to feel like I’m treating myself, I turn to this dish. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be coming back to it again and again, just like I do!

Print