Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you love a bowl of richly sauced noodles with plenty of comfort and a hint of elegance, you’re in for a real treat with this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta. This dish takes the classic harmony of juicy chicken, silky tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, then brings everything together with a luxurious splash of cream and a dusting of Parmesan. It’s savory, tangy, and satisfying enough for a cozy night in, but still impressive for sharing with guests. If ever there was a weeknight dinner worth getting excited about, Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta takes the prize.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta comes from a short list of straightforward staples. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, whether it’s adding creaminess, punchy flavor, or heartiness to your finished bowl.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A must for sautéing chicken to a gorgeous golden color and infusing the entire dish with rich flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): The main protein, kept tender and juicy by quick cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning the dish from the inside out.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give the sauce that unmistakable Mediterranean character.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): For aromatic depth that complements both the tomatoes and the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for a subtle heat, especially if you like your pasta with a little zing.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Provides the juicy, slightly tangy backbone for the pasta sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Loosens the sauce, adding extra savory notes and preventing it from becoming too heavy.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety finish everyone craves in Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty pop and helps the sauce cling to every swirl of pasta.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce its gorgeous red hue.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Toss in your penne or fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente – you want the pasta to still have a pleasant bite. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. This gives you time to focus on building the flavorful sauce for your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a generous skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for five to seven minutes, stirring every so often, until beautifully browned and just cooked through. The browning adds both flavor and color—keys to a great Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and, if you like a hint of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This little step will infuse the oil and chicken with a wonderful aroma and set the stage for the rest of the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring it into the chicken and garlic mixture. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting all those robust flavors meld together in anticipation of the creamy finish.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for three or four minutes, until it thickens and turns irresistibly creamy. By now, your kitchen will be filled with the inviting scent of Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well so every piece is coated with the luxurious sauce. Let it all heat through for another minute or two, then finish with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley. The result is a creamy, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A good garnish turns a great pasta into a restaurant-worthy plate. Try sprinkling extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving, along with a handful of torn fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley. Not only do these brighten up the dish, but they add a fresh pop that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Side Dishes
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is delicious enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with sides can turn dinner into a real feast. Think garlic bread for saucy scooping, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or roasted vegetables for a hearty, wholesome touch. Each side adds extra texture and flavor, making your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta for guests or just want to elevate your weeknight meal, consider plating it in shallow pasta bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a scattering of microgreens. Or, serve it family-style on a large platter with the garnishes laid out so everyone can build their perfect bowl. Either way, it’s bound to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making for an even richer experience the next day. Just make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing to prevent excess condensation.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead, Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta can be frozen for up to two months. Store it in freezer-safe containers, ideally in portion sizes for easier reheating. The sauce might separate a little during freezing, but it comes back together nicely once reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water, broth, or cream to loosen up the sauce. Warm gently over low heat or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce as creamy as possible.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fusilli are great for holding onto the sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking times and aim for al dente texture to get the best results.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. While the sauce might not be quite as rich, you’ll still have deliciously creamy and satisfying results.
How can I add more veggies to Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta?
Great idea! Stir fresh baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce just before adding the pasta. Other tasty add-ins are sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for a little extra sweetness and color.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Of course! Just chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce along with the tomatoes. Let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through and soak up those lovely flavors.
Is Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta spicy?
The level of heat is totally up to you! The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can leave them out for a milder dish or add more for a bigger kick. Either way, this pasta is all about comfort and customization.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and comforting, give Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta a try. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients can come together for such an irresistible meal. Get ready for satisfied smiles around the table—you’ll want to tuck this recipe into your regular rotation!
Print
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce come together to create a satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce:
3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until browned. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Make the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until creamy.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, heat through, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
