Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, rich, and downright delicious, you’re going to adore this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy the sauce gets with just the right hint of spice and fresh herbs. When I first tried this, it quickly became a family favorite—I bet once you make it, it will for you too. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my tips so you can nail this recipe every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in the way simple ingredients come together so beautifully. The pasta soaks up the creamy tomato sauce, while chicken and fresh herbs add texture and layers of flavor. When shopping, I recommend fresh tomatoes and herbs if you can get them—they definitely make a difference!

• Rotini pasta: Its curly shape holds the sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the chicken a nice sear and enriches the sauce without overpowering flavors.
• Chicken breast (skinless, boneless): Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
• Chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky warmth that elevates the tomato base.
• Red chili flakes: Perfect for a subtle kick—you can dial this up or down based on your spice tolerance.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Chopped tomatoes: Fresh or canned works—fresh adds brightness that just can’t be beaten.
• Green onions: Bring a mild oniony freshness and a bit of crunch.
• Fresh parsley: I love how it adds a pop of color and herbal brightness at the end.
• Heavy cream or half and half: Heavy cream makes it indulgent; half and half lightens it up without losing creaminess.
• Chicken broth (low or no sodium): Builds the base of the sauce, keeping it savory without being salty.
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into dreamy gooey goodness—shredding your own really does make a difference!

Variations

I love that this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is a total blank canvas for your creativity. Over the years, I’ve personalized it to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s lurking in my fridge—and I encourage you to try it your way too!

• Veggie Boost: I toss in spinach or mushrooms when I want an extra dose of greens—makes the dish prettier and adds nutrients.
• Lighter Version: Using half and half instead of heavy cream keeps it creamy but reduces richness for a lighter meal.
• Spice Level Adjustment: I sometimes skip the chili flakes for my kids or add extra if I’m craving a bolder bite.
• Cheese Variations: I’ve experimented with parmesan or fontina instead of mozzarella—each gives a slightly different, but delicious, twist.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your rotini pasta until it’s al dente—that means it should still have a slight firmness when you bite it. Trust me, overcooked pasta will soak up too much sauce later and turn mushy. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you make your sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Flavor

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat—that little bit of butter adds richness without heaviness. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside; this usually takes about 5 minutes. Pro tip: Stir occasionally so the spices coat the chicken evenly and it cooks through beautifully.

Step 3: Add Freshness with Veggies and Herbs

Next, add chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley to the skillet. Give everything a good stir and cook for another couple of minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and the herbs release their aroma. This step really layers your sauce with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream (or half and half) and chicken broth. Raise the heat just enough to bring everything to a boil. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly as it heats—this is where the creamy texture develops. Keep a close eye to avoid overboiling, which can curdle the cream or dry out the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini pasta right into the skillet and stir to coat every piece with the creamy sauce and chicken. This is the part where the magic happens; the pasta absorbs the flavors and everything comes together as a cohesive dish.

Step 6: Finish with Mozzarella and Parsley

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt into the warm pasta. If you’re feeling fancy, toss a few extra fresh parsley leaves for an herbaceous finish and gorgeous visual pop. Serve immediately while everything’s silky and melty.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and sometimes a little cracked black pepper for that final touch. If I’m feeling indulgent, I sometimes add a small handful of freshly grated parmesan on top—extra cheesy heaven! It not only adds taste but makes the dish look beautifully inviting.

Side Dishes

To round out this creamy pasta, I usually serve it with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness or some garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are also amazing alongside, especially when you want a veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe also looks stunning garnished with edible flowers for dinner parties—always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the pasta soaks up the sauce over time, I make sure to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to keep it nicely creamy and not dried out.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the entire dish because the cream sauce can separate, but I do freeze the cooked chicken and tomato sauce separately. When I’m ready, I just cook fresh pasta and combine everything—it feels almost as fresh and saves time on a busy night.

Reheating

I reheat this pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream, stirring frequently. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find the skillet method keeps the creamy texture intact and prevents clumps.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner repertoire because it’s fast, delicious, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it quickly becomes your go-to when you want comfort food without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once your family tastes this, it might just become a repeat request—just like mine!

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