If you are searching for a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures, this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender chicken pieces sautéed to perfection, a luscious sauce blending creamy dairy with vibrant tomatoes, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, every bite delivers warmth and delight. This recipe balances spice with creaminess in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh, making it an ideal go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to impress effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find and each plays an important role, enhancing the dish’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the aromatic spices that bring subtle heat to the creamy mozzarella that melts into the sauce, every component works in harmony.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: The spiraled shape captures the sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, silky base to cook the chicken and build flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender protein that soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Infuses a smoky warmth that complements the creamy tomato sauce.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a mild kick to balance the dish’s richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring brightness and subtle acidity.
- 6 green onions: Adds mild onion flavor and a pop of green freshness.
- ½ cup fresh parsley: Brings herbal notes and a vibrant color contrast.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while boosting savory depth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top for gooey, cheesy perfection.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the rotini pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to hold up under the creamy sauce without turning mushy during mixing.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken with Spices
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces along with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cooking the chicken until no longer pink and nicely coated with spices infuses it with deep, bold flavors that form the foundation of the dish.
Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies and Creamy Liquids
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley into the skillet. Let these cook together for about two minutes to meld the fresh ingredients with the chicken. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil so the sauce starts to thicken and turn beautifully creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Finish with Cheese
Finally, add the drained rotini pasta to your creamy skillet sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure every pasta piece is coated in that luscious tomato cream sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt slightly before serving to add a gooey, irresistible touch.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhance both flavor and presentation. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top can also add a subtle kick and glossiness.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread can create a more balanced meal. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli work wonderfully to add texture and freshness alongside the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls or deep plates to hold all that saucy goodness. For a fun twist, you might even bake it briefly under the broiler with extra mozzarella until golden and bubbly for a comforting baked pasta experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy tomato chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would also work superbly. Just stick to a similar cooking time to ensure al dente texture.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute half and half or even a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Just be careful to add yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, using plant-based cream alternatives and dairy-free cheese options will still provide creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
How spicy is the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The chili powder and red pepper flakes add mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the amounts to suit your spice preference or omit the flakes for a gentler flavor.
What is the best way to cut the chicken for this recipe?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and easy eating. Try to keep pieces uniform in size for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little cozy flavor and creamy goodness into your everyday meals. I encourage you to try it out and experience how simple ingredients come together to create something truly satisfying and memorable. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce enhanced with chili powder and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe balances spicy and creamy elements for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 6 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: 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. Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Let cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil to develop a creamy sauce base.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and add extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be substituted with basil or omitted if preferred.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta.
