Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Oh wow, do you love pasta? I do too! And this creamy tomato chicken pasta is one of my favorite meals to make when I want something yummy and easy.

It’s so creamy, so cheesy, and packed with chicken! Plus, the tomato sauce makes it taste like a cozy hug in a bowl. You won’t believe how fast it comes together — really, it’s that simple!

Sometimes I just want dinner done quick but still taste amazing. This pasta never lets me down! If you want something warm and filling, you’ve gotta try it.

So, wanna make it with me? Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to make this creamy goodness step by step. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-One Meal: Chicken, pasta, and sauce come together for a filling dinner.
• Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and cream creates a smooth, rich sauce.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the comforting flavors.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash, easy clean-up.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce in advance and toss with pasta when ready to serve.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish. Need more? Easily double the recipe and adjust cooking time slightly.

Difficulty:
Simple enough for beginners, but with flavors that impress experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

To create this creamy, rich pasta dish, you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Preferably deep enough to hold sauce and pasta together.
• Medium Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Tongs or Spatula: For turning chicken and tossing pasta.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To chop chicken and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise seasoning.
• Grater (optional): If grating mozzarella cheese fresh.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together (exact measurements will be listed in the recipe card at the end):

• Rotini Pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli): The spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken and aromatics.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless — diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Chili Powder: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To enhance all flavors.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Diced — brings bright acidity to balance the cream.
• Green Onions: Sliced — for freshness and mild onion flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped — for garnish and added freshness.
• Heavy Cream (or Half and Half): The key to a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create the base of the sauce and adds savory depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a smooth, cheesy finish.

Variations for Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

• Add More Vegetables: Toss in spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
• Use Different Cheese: Parmesan or Gruyère can be swapped for mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Double the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
• Swap Protein: Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for variety.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use light cream cheese.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini pasta (or preferred shape) and cook according to the package directions until al dente — tender but still firm to the bite.

Tip: Save about ½ cup of pasta water before draining — you may need this to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside once drained.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken.

• Pat chicken breasts dry and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
• In a small bowl, season the chicken with chili powder, red pepper flakes (optional for spice), salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Heat unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.

• Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be juicy inside with a slight sear outside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — those browned bits add flavor!), add a little more butter if needed.

• Toss in the diced fresh tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until they soften and start to break down into a sauce.
• Add sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all the flavorful bits. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream (or half and half), mixing well to combine with the tomato mixture.

• Let this simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
• Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.

Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

5. Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy tomato sauce.

• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to let the flavors meld together.

6. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot, straight from the skillet, or plate individually with extra cheese if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

This rich and hearty pasta dish can easily stand on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it for a well-rounded meal:

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette helps cut the richness of the cream sauce. Try mixed greens, arugula, or spinach tossed with lemon juice and olive oil.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a soft dinner roll to soak up the extra sauce.
• Add Extra Veggies: Steamed broccoli, zucchini, or green beans make great sides if you want more vegetables on the plate.
• Family Style: Bring the skillet to the table and let everyone serve themselves — this keeps the pasta warm and makes for a casual, cozy dinner.

Storing Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Not recommended for freezing as the cream-based sauce can separate when reheated.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power. Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warmth. Add a little liquid if the pasta looks dry.

Tip: Avoid overheating to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Heat gently for best results.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t get mushy when mixed into the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Saving some pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency if needed. The starch in the water also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Grating mozzarella cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded cheese and makes the sauce smoother.
• Add Cream Slowly: Incorporate cream gradually over medium-low heat to prevent curdling.
• Control the Heat: If you’re worried about spiciness, start with a small pinch of red pepper flakes and adjust to taste.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for 1 serving (based on 4 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	520
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	460mg
Cholesterol	135mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes (drained) if fresh tomatoes are unavailable. Choose low-sodium varieties to control saltiness.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works best because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Store them separately and reheat gently before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and swap heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like oat or almond cream. Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium, depending on how much red pepper flakes you add. You can reduce or omit the flakes for a kid-friendly version.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is an easy yet satisfying meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this dish delivers rich taste without complicated steps. Keep this recipe in your rotation for a go-to dinner that pleases everyone.