Name: Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounce rotini pasta (uncooked); 1 pound chicken breast (skinless and boneless, cut into bite size pieces); 2 tablespoons chili powder; ½ teaspoon red chili flakes; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 cup tomatoes (chopped); 6 green onions (chopped); ½ cup parsley (fresh, chopped); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half); ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine tender chunks of chicken swimming in a luscious, spicy tomato-cream sauce that perfectly coats every bite of al dente pasta. It’s a harmonious blend of simple ingredients coming together in just 30 minutes to create something that’s both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family after a busy day or impressing friends without the fuss, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows all the ingredients for a meal arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two clear glass bowls at the top, one filled with yellow uncooked spiral pasta on the left and the other with two raw pink chicken pieces on the right. Below these, there are four small white square dishes in a row, each holding a different seasoning: pale yellow butter, red chili flakes, red-brown paprika, and black pepper. To the left, a clear glass bowl contains white cream. In the center bottom, a round white bowl holds shredded white cheese. Fresh green parsley leaves and a bunch of green onions lie next to the cheese bowl, pointing towards the right. Near the fresh herbs, two whole red tomatoes sit side by side. A small clear glass cup with golden olive oil is placed close to the tomatoes. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; these essentials combine effortlessly to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly special. Each item plays a crucial role in turning a quick weeknight meal into something beautifully rich and decadently creamy.

8 ounces rotini pasta: The twists of rotini hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness and helps cook the chicken evenly.
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that soaks up the spices and sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons chili powder: Brings a smoky warmth to the dish without overwhelming the flavors.
½ teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds just the right touch of heat for a gentle kick.
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sauce.
¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle spice that rounds out the seasoning.
1 cup chopped tomatoes: Offers fresh acidity and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
6 green onions, chopped: Provide a mild, crunchy contrast and fresh herbal notes.
½ cup fresh chopped parsley: Brings a burst of herbaceous brightness to cut through the creaminess.
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half): Makes the sauce rich and silky, binding all the ingredients together.
½ cup low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory base to keep the sauce light and flavorful.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives a wonderful gooey, melty topping that’s pure indulgence.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—meaning it’s cooked through but still has a bit of a firm bite. This texture is important because it will hold up nicely when mixed with the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside so your pasta is ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s melted and shimmering. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. The spices give the chicken an irresistible smoky, warm flavor. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center, which should take around five minutes, ensuring those pieces are juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies

Now, stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley. These ingredients add bursts of freshness and color, balancing the spicy richness of the chicken. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes so the tomatoes soften slightly and the herbs release their wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream (or half and half) and chicken broth, stirring well as the mixture begins to bubble up. This step is the magic moment when the sauce transforms into a silky, luscious blanket for your pasta and chicken. Bring it to a gentle boil to combine the flavors and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked rotini straight into the skillet, mixing everything until every twist of pasta is generously coated in the creamy, tomato-infused sauce. This is what makes this a true Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe — the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire skillet and allow it to melt into ooey-gooey goodness. If you like, add a few extra parsley leaves to brighten up the presentation. Serve this dish warm for the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with rotini pasta mixed with creamy orange sauce, with visible green herbs and small pieces of red pepper scattered throughout. The pasta is mixed with chunks of light brown cooked meat coated in the sauce. A gold fork is resting inside the bowl on the right side, slightly sunk into the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered red chili flakes around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkling of more fresh parsley or a pinch of chili flakes on top brings an inviting pop of color and just a hint more heat. If you want to get fancy, a little shaved Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil elevates this humble dish into something truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. Garlic bread is a classic companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the savory sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta inside hollowed-out tomatoes or even alongside a crisp glass of white wine to transform a simple weeknight meal into a dinner party highlight. Using colorful pasta shapes or adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can also make this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe visually stunning and extra tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by transferring the pasta to a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind the texture of cream sauces can change slightly after freezing, but heating gently on low while stirring will bring your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. This ensures the dish remains moist and delicious without drying out or curdling the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work wonderfully with this creamy tomato chicken sauce.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, half and half works just fine. You can also try a mixture of milk and a little cream cheese for a slightly different texture without losing creaminess.

How spicy is this recipe?

The dish has a gentle kick from the chili powder and red chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter alternative, coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream substitute, and a vegan cheese to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.

What kind of chicken cuts work best?

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that wraps you in warmth and flavor with every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy evening and special enough to impress. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself coming back to it time and again for that perfect blend of comforting creaminess and vibrant, cozy flavors.