Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta is the perfect one-pan comfort meal that brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and juicy tomatoes in a satisfying, family-friendly dish. This easy pasta recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken pasta is packed with rich, comforting flavors and comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup. The combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach makes it both hearty and balanced. It’s simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 4 tablespoon butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1.5 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1.5 cups cooking cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups spinach
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the chicken breasts into 3-inch cubes and season with salt, pepper, and flour.
- Heat a large pan and add half of the butter. Once melted, cook the chicken for about 7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking until tomatoes soften.
- Pour in cooking cream, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan and mix well to coat in the sauce.
- Serve Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy
- Add chili flakes for a slight heat boost
- Substitute spinach with kale if preferred
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- You can swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra tenderness
- Add mushrooms for more depth of flavor
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, but the cream sauce may slightly change texture upon reheating.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best for holding the creamy sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a small amount of extra Parmesan cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. Freeze for up to 1 month if needed.
Similar Recipes
Easy Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 4 tablespoon butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1.5 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1.5 cups cooking cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups spinach
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the chicken breasts into 3-inch cubes and season with salt, pepper, and flour.
- Heat a large pan and add half of the butter. Once melted, cook the chicken for about 7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking until tomatoes soften.
- Pour in cooking cream, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan and mix well to coat in the sauce.
- Serve Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra tenderness
- Add mushrooms for more depth of flavor
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta is a reliable, comforting dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.