If you are craving a dish that hits all the right notes with richness, a little kick, and comforting pasta goodness, this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, a luscious creamy tomato sauce, and the welcoming bite of rotini pasta that hugs every bit of sauce perfectly. This recipe is simple to whip up yet delivers a restaurant-quality feel, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat. Prepare to fall in love with the layers of flavor and velvety textures that make this dish utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients will set you up for success. Each one plays an important role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor profile, creamy texture, and colorful presentation that makes this pasta so inviting.
- Rotini pasta (8 ounces): The spiral shape is perfect for capturing every bit of that creamy tomato sauce.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness that enhances the chicken and sauce perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Provides hearty protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): Brings warmth and a gentle smoky flavor which liven up the creamy sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a mild spice to complement the chili.
- Chopped tomatoes (1 cup): Freshness and acidity to brighten the rich sauce.
- Green onions (6, chopped): Gives a fresh, slightly pungent bite and lovely green color.
- Fresh parsley (½ cup, chopped): Adds a herby brightness for freshness and garnish.
- Heavy cream (1 cup, or half and half): The key to that luscious, silky smooth sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (½ cup): Creates depth and a bit of savory moisture without watering down flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into the dish for a gooey and delicious finish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This slight firmness is crucial because it will hold up perfectly once mixed into the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain well and set aside while you prepare the flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cooking the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside not only ensures safety but helps develop a nice sear that locks in juicy flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Layers
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh parsley, letting them cook for about 2 minutes to release their vibrant flavors. Then carefully pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. This transforms the skillet into a rich and aromatic sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Finish with Cheese
Finally, add your cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet. Stir thoroughly so every noodle gets enveloped in that creamy tomato sauce. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese and a bit more parsley for that irresistible melty and fresh finish. Serve this right away for the best gooey, comforting experience.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions; they add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes on top can please those who love a little extra heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are excellent for scooping up every last bit of that sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the creamy tomato chicken pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh parsley and a small wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing. You could also bake the pasta briefly with extra mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden crust that adds texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy tomato chicken pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect dish for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the creamy texture might change slightly upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to restore creaminess. If reheating in the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for catching the sauce, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine depending on your preference. Just ensure the pasta shape holds sauce well for the best experience.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based creamer and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. This keeps it creamy and delicious while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How spicy is this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
It has a gentle warmth thanks to chili powder and red pepper flakes, but it’s not overpoweringly spicy. You can always adjust the level of heat by reducing or increasing the pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe without chicken?
Definitely. This dish works well with shrimp, turkey, or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy tomato flavors nicely, balancing richness with a refreshing finish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together into a dish that feels both comforting and special. I encourage you to try it soon — it’s destined to be a favorite you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy tomato chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a spicy, buttery sauce with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a luscious blend of heavy cream and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines al dente rotini pasta with a rich, slightly spicy sauce that is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 6 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- ½ cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside to be added later.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh parsley into the skillet. Cook this mixture together for about 2 minutes to marry the flavors. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the sauce to a boil.
- Combine Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, stirring well to coat each piece thoroughly with the creamy tomato sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and, if desired, garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the cheese melty and sauce creamy.
Notes
- Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your taste.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be added for additional flavor variation.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
