If there’s one dish that saves my weeknight dinner routine and still makes everyone gather around the table with anticipation, it’s Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta. Imagine bite-sized chicken, juicy tomatoes, a swirl of rotini pasta, and a velvety, spiced tomato-cream sauce, all coming together in harmony. Ready in a flash, yet so rich and satisfying you’ll feel like you’re dining in your favorite bistro, this recipe is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is sure to become your new favorite go-to for flavor-packed, easy dinners.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delightful dinner is built on everyday ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in creating a cozy, colorful meal with tremendous depth of flavor. You’ll be amazed at how these simple staples transform into Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta magic.

Rotini pasta: Its corkscrew shape traps the creamy sauce in every bite; swap for penne or fusilli if needed.
Unsalted butter: The start of any good sauté, butter adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
Chicken breast: Lean, juicy, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Chili powder: Warms up the sauce and gives a gentle depth with every spoonful.
Red chili flakes: A dash of spice for those who like a little heat—add more or less to suit your taste.
Salt and pepper: Classic seasoning to highlight the star ingredients.
Tomatoes: Chopped fresh for brightness and a bit of texture in the sauce.
Green onions: Mild onion flavor and a welcome pop of green color.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and stirred in for an herby, aromatic finish.
Heavy cream (or half and half): The secret to that dreamy, luscious sauce—choose half and half for a lighter version.
Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and extra moisture to keep the sauce silky.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey glory; always shred your own for best results and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini pasta in a big pot of salted water, just until al dente. This means the noodles are tender but still have a firm bite—perfect for standing up to our velvety sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, covered to keep it steamy and ready for action.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Melt the butter in your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, then sprinkle with chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it loses any hint of pink, soaking up that lovely spice blend as it browns—about 5 minutes should do the trick.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Herbs

With the chicken sizzling, stir in those chopped tomatoes, vibrant green onions, and fresh parsley. Let everything mingle in the skillet for another two minutes so the tomatoes soften just slightly and the flavors become irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream (or go with half and half if you want things a bit lighter), then add the chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir and bring the mixture to a satisfying boil. This is when everything starts to smell amazing, and you’ll watch the sauce thicken and come together before your eyes.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Tumble the cooked rotini into your bubbling sauce and gently stir so every corkscrew is enrobed with creamy tomato goodness. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt into saucy bliss. Add a scatter of fresh parsley if you like, and serve your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way here! I love to finish each bowl of Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, herby hit. A sprinkle of parmesan or a tangle of ribboned basil adds another layer of flavor and looks beautiful. If you want even more zing, try a light dusting of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is definitely hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and brightens up your meal. Warm, crusty bread is also a must for sopping up every last bit of sauce—from sourdough to garlic breadsticks, you really can’t go wrong! If you’re serving a crowd, add roasted vegetables or simply steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party twist, try piling your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta in shallow pasta bowls and topping each with a mini mozzarella ball and a pile of fresh greens. For a family meal, serve directly from your sauté pan at the table—there’s something special about everyone digging in together. And for lunch the next day, tuck leftovers into containers for an easy, envy-inducing desk lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce, but a splash of broth or milk when reheating will bring it right back to life. Always let your pasta cool slightly before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

For best results, freeze just the sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook fresh pasta, reheat the sauce on the stove, then combine. If you do freeze the whole dish, portion it and store in zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add your pasta and sauce to a skillet with a splash of broth, milk, or even a spoonful of cream. Warm over medium-low heat until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is glossy and smooth. If needed, add a bit more cheese and parsley to freshen up the flavors. The microwave works in a pinch, but stir halfway to make sure nothing dries out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini is perfect because it holds the sauce so well, but penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work just fine. Just aim for a shape that catches the creamy tomato sauce in all its twists and turns.

How do I make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta spicier or milder?

It’s easy to tailor the spice level. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, simply dial back the chili powder and flakes. You’re totally in control, so make it just the way your taste buds like it!

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you’re in a time crunch, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it to the skillet when you add the tomatoes and cream so it heats through and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

You can make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta dairy-free by using a plant-based cream alternative and a vegan butter. For the cheese, try your favorite plant-based shredded cheese or just leave it out—the sauce is luscious enough on its own.

Does Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta work for meal prep?

It’s a fantastic meal prep dish! Prepare the sauce ahead, then cook pasta fresh and combine when you’re ready to eat. You can also portion out the finished pasta into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and easy elegance, you have to give this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta a try. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll return to again and again, and every forkful is pure joy. I hope it becomes as much of a household staple for you as it is for me—happy cooking!