Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that radiates cozy comfort and loads of flavor in every bite, you simply have to try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken mingles with a dreamy, velvety tomato sauce, nestled between swirls of perfectly cooked rotini. It’s a weeknight win the whole family will crave!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is how each of these staple ingredients shines in the finished dish. They’re easy to find, require minimal prep, and come together to build that signature creamy, vibrant flavor everyone loves.

• Rotini Pasta: Its curly shape soaks up the sauce perfectly and gives every mouthful a satisfying texture.
• Chicken Breast: Tender, bite-sized pieces make this meal hearty while staying lean and protein-packed.
• Butter (Unsalted): Adds richness to the sauce and gives the chicken beautiful flavor and color.
• Chili Powder & Red Chili Flakes: Lend gentle heat and spice without overwhelming the creamy elements.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of this pasta.
• Tomatoes (Chopped): Fresh tomatoes add juicy sweetness and a burst of bright color.
• Green Onions: They add subtle sharpness and a pop of fresh green to balance the cream.
• Fresh Parsley: For a grassy, herbaceous note that keeps everything lively.
• Heavy Cream (or Half and Half): The secret behind that luscious, silky tomato sauce.
• Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): Deepens the savory backbone of the sauce without overpowering the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Melts smoothly and pulls all the flavors together with stretchy, cheesy goodness.

Variations

The magic of Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to switch things up to suit your pantry or your cravings. Here are a few simple tweaks for customizing your bowl!

• Veggie-Packed: Stir in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted bell pepper for color, flavor, and extra nutrients.
• Lightened Up: Use half and half instead of heavy cream—or even evaporated milk—for a lighter, but still luscious, sauce.
• Cheese Swap: Try shredded parmesan or an Italian cheese blend for a sharper, tangier finish.
• Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat with extra red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne if you love it hot!

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your rotini and cook until it’s al dente—firm enough to hold up to the creamy sauce, but with just a slight bite. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; those little bits of starch help the sauce cling to every spiraled noodle.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Melt the butter in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, then scatter over the chili powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally as the chicken cooks—about 5 minutes—until it’s totally opaque and golden at the edges.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Herbs

Sprinkle in the freshly chopped tomatoes, vibrant green onions, and half the parsley. Give everything a good stir, letting the tomatoes soften and the herbs become fragrant—just a couple of minutes is all you need for that flavor boost.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce come up to a gentle boil—it’ll start to thicken and turn a mesmerizing shade of orange-pink. This is when your kitchen really starts to smell incredible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained rotini to the skillet and toss everything together until every piece is luxuriously coated. Scatter over the mozzarella and another sprinkle of fresh parsley, giving the whole dish a final, tempting flourish. Serve piping hot so every forkful is delightfully melty.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions for a colorful, garden-fresh touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a bit of finely grated parmesan or a few extra chili flakes add elegance and warmth.

Side Dishes

This cozy pasta loves simple sides—think a crisp Caesar salad, a plate of roasted broccoli, or warm, crusty garlic bread perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. Even just a handful of baby greens tossed with lemon makes a bright, satisfying pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, pile Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta high in shallow bowls with twirls of mozzarella and a final drizzle of good olive oil. Feeding a crowd? Serve it family-style in a big platter, letting everyone help themselves. Or jazz it up with edible flowers or microgreens for a showstopping dinner-party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep some extra chicken broth or cream on hand, as the pasta will soak up a bit of the sauce as it sits.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers—ideally before adding the cheese for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then finish with cheese and fresh herbs when reheating for the yummiest results.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to re-loosen the sauce to its original creamy goodness, and stir well as it warms through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta truly delivers in every way—quick, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dinner or a busy weeknight meal, it’s a surefire way to make dinnertime feel special. I hope you love it as much as my family does, and can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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