Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort meal with a rich, indulgent twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s cozy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to put together on a weeknight. I absolutely love how the creamy tomato sauce clings to every nook of the pasta and tender chicken bites—you’ll find yourself going back for seconds, no shame!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe plays an important role to ensure the dish is balanced, creamy, and packed with a little zest. I like to pick fresh herbs and shred fresh cheese for the best results—you’ll notice the difference immediately.

• Rotini pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce beautifully; any short pasta with ridges will do.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a luscious richness while allowing you to control the saltiness.
• Chicken breast: Skinless and boneless, cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking and easy bites.
• Chili powder: Adds warmth and a hint of smoky spice to the chicken.
• Red chili flakes: For an extra touch of heat—adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Chopped tomatoes: Fresh or high-quality canned work—this adds the bright tomato flavor.
• Green onions: Adds mild onion flavor and freshness without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with herbal notes and color.
• Heavy cream or half and half: For creaminess; you can choose half and half to keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create the sauce; low-sodium lets you control the salt.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to finish the dish with gooey goodness.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste or whatever’s sitting in your fridge. I love experimenting with different veggies or cheese types to keep things fresh and exciting.

• Add veggies: I often toss in fresh spinach or mushrooms while the sauce simmers, adding more texture and nutrition without changing the flavor profile drastically.
• Spice it up: For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika or swap chili flakes for cayenne if you like more heat—I’ve done that when friends visit, and they love it!
• Dairy swaps: Using half and half instead of heavy cream lightens the dish a bit but keeps that silky texture, great if you’re watching calories.
• Cheese variations: I recommend always shredding your own mozzarella—it melts better and tastes fresher, but you can swap with fontina or provolone for a different flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want the pasta to be tender but still have a slight bite, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce later. Drain it well and set aside. I usually save a little pasta water just in case I need to loosen the sauce later—that’s a trick I discovered early on!

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 over the chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cooking the chicken with these spices at this early stage really allows the flavors to develop deeply. Keep an eye on the chicken—it usually takes about 5 minutes—and you’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has a nice golden color in places.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Herb Base

Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley. Stir everything together and let it cook for around 2 minutes. This step releases the freshness and sweetness of the tomatoes, which balances nicely with the creamy sauce that comes next.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream (or half and half) and chicken broth to the skillet, then bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens just right and becomes silky with a subtle tomato tang. When it starts to bubble, you know it’s ready to welcome the pasta back into the mix.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finish with Cheese

Stir in the cooked rotini pasta, making sure every piece is coated in that creamy tomato chicken goodness. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, letting it melt slowly into the warm pasta. I’ll often add a little fresh parsley here too—it just adds that fresh finish that makes everything pop.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this dish off with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella right at the end. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish. These small touches make it feel special without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. I also like lightly sautéed or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I serve this pasta in rustic bowls sprinkled with extra cheese and a sprig of parsley. Sometimes I bake it briefly with extra mozz for a bubbly golden top, turning it into a comforting baked pasta dish that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully overnight, so leftover creamy tomato chicken pasta tastes even better the next day! Just make sure to stir in a little chicken broth or cream when reheating to regain that silky texture.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze this pasta often because it reheats so well fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months. Freeze in airtight containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream as needed. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out the sauce. This method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it feels indulgent yet is so approachable to make. It’s the kind of dish you crave when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I’m excited for you to try this—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how the whole family responds to the creamy, flavorful goodness. Go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, tomatoey bite!

Print