If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta with tender, spicy chicken pieces all enveloped in a luscious, velvety tomato cream sauce. The balance of herbs, mild heat from the chili powder, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a harmony of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just about 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each element brings something special to the bowl—whether it’s freshness, creaminess, heat, or that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto all that creamy sauce in its twists and spirals.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to juicy perfection.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy, quick cooking and perfect bites in every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Brings a smoky, warm heat that wakes up the flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A subtle kick that deepens the spice profile just right.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, but adjust to your taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a final touch of aromatic spice that complements the chili.
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes: Freshness and a slight tang that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 6 green onions: Chopped for a mild onion crunch and vibrant green color.
- ½ cup fresh parsley: Chopped for a burst of herbal freshness and color contrast.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half): Makes the sauce decadently smooth and creamy.
- ½ cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Balances the cream with a savory depth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, cheesy topping that everyone loves.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This step lays the foundation, giving you that perfect pasta texture to trap the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center and has a beautiful golden sear. The spices infuse the chicken with warmth, making every bite exciting and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley directly into the skillet with the chicken. Let these cook together for about two minutes to soften the tomatoes slightly and release the fresh aroma of the herbs. This step builds a vibrant, layered base that enhances the creamy tomato sauce’s complexity.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine everything into a silky sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken just a bit while melding the flavors. This transformation separates an ordinary pasta from the decadent dish you’re about to enjoy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Finally, add the cooked rotini back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering with a lid if needed just until the cheese melts to gooey perfection. This creamy, cheesy finish turns the pasta into the ultimate comfort food.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra green onion rings on top brings a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma. For those who love it extra spicy, a dash of red pepper flakes right before serving adds a nice kick.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands strong on its own, but if you like, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make fantastic, colorful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins and broiling the cheese topping for a minute until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, plate it with a swirl of balsamic glaze for a hint of subtle sweetness and an elegant restaurant-style look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen, making it just as delicious the next day when reheated.
Freezing
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe can be frozen but keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce without the cheese, then add fresh mozzarella when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would work wonderfully. Choose a shape that catches your eye and sauce in its nooks and crannies.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half and half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. Just be aware that the sauce might not be as thick or rich.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it up or down depending on your tolerance. Feel free to omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Fresh chopped tomatoes are recommended for their bright flavor and texture, but canned diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch. Just drain excess liquid to avoid thinning out the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe a try soon; it’s one of those dishes that brings pure comfort and joy to the table every single time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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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 quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with spices and mixed with a creamy tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The combination of mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of heat from chili powder and red pepper flakes makes it a comforting and satisfying meal ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 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
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- ½ cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
Cheese
- 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 directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh parsley into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream (or half and half) and chicken broth. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce and chicken mixture.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the creamy tomato chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Substitute rotini pasta with penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
