Have you ever craved a pasta dish that feels both comforting and restaurant-quality?
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of rich flavors, tender chicken, and silky pasta coated in a luscious tomato cream sauce. It’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dinner experience.
Imagine the aroma of garlic sautéing in olive oil, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes simmering into a tangy sauce, and the creamy richness that ties everything together. Add perfectly seared chicken and al dente pasta, and you have a complete meal ready in under 40 minutes.
This recipe is versatile enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish guarantees empty plates and happy smiles.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Quick and Easy – Simple steps, minimal prep time, and ready in less than an hour.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Customizable – Swap pasta types, adjust spice levels, or make it lighter with half-and-half.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Meal – Can be stored, reheated, and enjoyed later.
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta – penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ cup tomato paste (for richness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano + basil + thyme)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (or parsley)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain, but reserve ½ cup pasta water for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Remove from skillet, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter.
- Sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Lower heat, pour in heavy cream, and stir continuously.
- Season with Italian herbs, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine
- Add drained pasta and chicken slices to the sauce.
- Mix until pasta is well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to serving plates.
- Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
- Even Cooking – Cut chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta – Always go for al dente for the best texture.
- Balance Flavors – If sauce is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or extra cream.
- Cheese Upgrade – Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
- Extra Flavor – Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning before cooking.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Tomato Chicken Pasta – Add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Chicken Pasta – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Spinach & Tomato Chicken Pasta – Toss in fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
- Cheesy Bake Version – After cooking, transfer to baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until golden.
- Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Vegetarian Swap – Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled paneer.
How to Serve
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A light green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- Make Ahead – Cook chicken and sauce a day before. Reheat and add fresh pasta before serving.
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing – Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 4 servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
FAQs about Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Q1: Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, and fettuccine work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Q2: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut cream, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook chicken with tomatoes, garlic, and spices on LOW for 4–5 hours. Add cream and pasta just before serving.
Q4: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend beautifully.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect marriage of comfort food and gourmet dining. With its rich tomato cream sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a festive gathering, this pasta guarantees happy hearts and full stomachs.
So go ahead, try it tonight — and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top!
