This creamy tomato chicken pasta is one of those quick, comforting dinners we love to make as a team on a busy weeknight. Juicy chicken and rotini in a rich tomato cream sauce with melted mozzarella feel like a treat, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a fast, comforting stovetop dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Juicy seasoned chicken and rotini are tossed in a rich, lightly spiced tomato cream sauce and finished with melted mozzarella. A one pan meal that feels a little indulgent, this creamy tomato chicken pasta is perfect for an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
What makes this creamy tomato chicken pasta so good is the rich tomato cream sauce. Juicy seasoned chicken and rotini are coated in a silky, lightly spiced sauce with melted mozzarella.
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Watch how this creamy tomato chicken pasta comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Fast and easy. This creamy tomato chicken pasta is on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Rich tomato cream sauce. A luscious sauce coats every bite of pasta.
- Juicy, seasoned chicken. Tender chicken makes it a complete meal.
- A little indulgent. Mozzarella and cream make it feel special.
- One pan dinner. Everything comes together in a single skillet.
What Makes This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta So Good
A warm hit of chili powder sets this pasta apart. It seasons the chicken and gives the creamy tomato sauce a deep, savory warmth.
The sauce is rich and comforting. Half and half simmered with tomatoes and chicken broth creates a silky, lightly spiced tomato cream sauce.
Fresh tomatoes and green onions keep it bright. Cooked just briefly, they add freshness and color that balance the richness of the sauce.
A handful of shredded mozzarella melts into the sauce, adding a gooey, cheesy finish that makes it irresistible.
Optional Pro Tip: A Silky, Flavorful Sauce
Cook the chicken just until done. Cooking the bite sized pieces for about five minutes keeps them juicy and tender rather than dry.
Let the sauce come to a gentle boil before adding the pasta. This helps it thicken into a silky, clingy sauce that coats every piece.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Cut chicken evenly. Bite sized pieces cook quickly and evenly.
- Do not overcook the chicken. About 5 minutes keeps it juicy.
- Cook pasta al dente. It finishes perfectly in the sauce.
- Adjust the heat. Use less chili powder for a milder sauce.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella. It melts more smoothly.
- Simmer to thicken. Let the sauce boil gently before adding pasta.
- Season to taste. Adjust the salt and pepper at the end.
- Garnish with parsley. It adds fresh color and flavor.
Variations and Add Ins
This creamy tomato chicken pasta is easy to customize.
- Add vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers stir in well.
- Switch the protein. Use shrimp or leave it out for a meatless pasta.
- Make it milder. Reduce the chili powder and chili flakes.
- Use heavy cream. Swap in heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Add garlic. A clove or two deepens the savory flavor.
- Use a different pasta. Penne, shells, or fusilli all work well.
- Add Parmesan. A sprinkle adds extra savory depth.
- Make it spicy. Add extra chili flakes for more heat.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover creamy tomato chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a great quick lunch.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce, since it thickens as it sits.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This creamy tomato chicken pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, with protein, pasta, and a rich sauce. A crisp green salad makes a fresh, simple side.
Warm garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce. A side of roasted or steamed vegetables rounds out the plate.
For a complete dinner, add a simple side of roasted broccoli or asparagus. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley makes a lovely finishing touch.
- With a green salad. A fresh, crisp contrast.
- With garlic bread. Perfect for the creamy sauce.
- With roasted vegetables. A simple, healthy side.
- With Parmesan. A savory finishing touch.
For another creamy, crowd pleasing chicken pasta, our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half?
Yes. Heavy cream makes the sauce even richer and thicker, while half and half keeps it a little lighter. Both work beautifully.
Is this pasta spicy?
It has a warm, savory kick from the chili powder and chili flakes. Reduce or leave them out for a milder, family friendly sauce.
What pasta works best?
Rotini is used here and its spirals hold the sauce well. Penne, shells, or fusilli are also great choices.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers all stir in beautifully and add color and nutrition.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. Shrimp is a great swap, or you can leave the chicken out for a simple, meatless tomato cream pasta.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cut it into even bite sized pieces and cook it just until no longer pink, about five minutes. Overcooking is what makes it dry.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The sauce thickens as it cooks and sits. Stir in a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well for a day or two. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes. Mozzarella melts in for a gooey finish, and a sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra savory, nutty depth.
Creamy, Comforting, and Quick
This creamy tomato chicken pasta brings together juicy chicken, a rich tomato cream sauce, and gooey mozzarella for a comforting dinner that feels special. It comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes.
Quick enough for a busy weeknight yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat, it is sure to please the whole family. Once you try it, this creamy tomato chicken pasta is bound to become a regular favorite.
Craving more comforting chicken dinners? Our lemon chicken piccata is another bright, satisfying favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken, sprinkle with the chili powder and red chili flakes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through.
- Add the tomatoes, green onions, and parsley, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the half and half and chicken broth and cook until it comes to a boil.
- Add the cooked rotini and stir everything together.
- Sprinkle with the mozzarella, and more parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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