Amazing Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta in 35 Minutes

Hey there, food lovers! Anna Kowalska here. You know, I’m all about sharing those tried-and-true homemade recipes that just make your taste buds sing and your family ask for seconds. Everything I make comes straight from my heart, packed with as much flavor as possible. This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that just *works*. It’s the kind of meal that makes a regular Tuesday night feel special, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

My Journey to the Perfect Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

I remember trying to nail down a go-to weeknight chicken pasta for ages. There were too many bland versions, some that were way too complicated, and a few that just didn’t hit that creamy, comforting spot. Then, after a particularly chaotic evening juggling work and wanting a truly satisfying dinner, I tinkered with this recipe. It’s the perfect balance of quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Now, it’s my secret weapon for those nights when you need something amazing on the table without all the fuss!

Why This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe Is a Keeper

So, why should this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta be a regular in your rotation? Let me tell you why it’s an absolute winner:

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution: Seriously, you can get this on the table in about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a lifesaver on those busy nights when you need something delicious fast!
• Flavor That Satisfies Everyone: The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that rich, creamy tomato sauce is just pure comfort food. Even the pickiest eaters in my house gobble it up!
• Made with Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy stuff to make something truly special and satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s talk about what makes this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta so darn good. It’s all about using good ingredients, and luckily, these are pretty easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need to gather up:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Rotini Pasta	8 ounces	Or your favorite pasta shape!
Butter	3 tablespoons	Unsalted is best.
Chicken Breast	1 pound	Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Chili Powder	2 tablespoons	Don’t be shy!
Red Chili Flakes	½ teaspoon	For a little kick. Adjust to your liking!
Salt	½ teaspoon (or to taste)	Essential for flavor.
Pepper	¼ teaspoon (or to taste)	Freshly ground is always nice.
Tomatoes	1 cup	Chopped. Fresh is great, but canned works too.
Green Onions	6	Chopped. Both white and green parts are good here.
Fresh Parsley	½ cup	Chopped, for freshness and color.
Heavy Cream	1 cup	Or use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Chicken Broth	½ cup	Low sodium or no-salt-added is perfect.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese	1 cup	Shred your own for the best melt!

Pasta and Protein Base

We start with 8 ounces of rotini pasta – it’s great for catching that yummy sauce! If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta shape will do. Then, we’ve got 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into nice bite-sized pieces so they cook up quickly and evenly.

Flavorful Sauce Components

This is where the magic happens! We’ll melt 3 tablespoons of butter and then get our chicken going with 2 tablespoons of chili powder, a little kick from ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes, plus salt and pepper. Then come the stars of the sauce: 1 cup of chopped tomatoes, 6 chopped green onions, and ½ cup of fresh parsley. These guys add so much freshness and flavor.

Fresh Garnishes and Creaminess

To get that dreamy, creamy texture, we’ll add 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half if you prefer something a bit lighter) and ½ cup of chicken broth. Finally, to finish it all off and make it extra decadent, we’ll stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle a little more fresh parsley on top. It’s the perfect combo!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta comes together so fast, it’s almost unbelievable. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in no time.

Preparing the Pasta and Chicken

First things first, get your pasta going! Pop that 8 ounces of rotini (or your favorite shape) into a pot of boiling, salted water and cook it according to the package directions until it’s just perfectly al dente – you know, with a slight bite. While that’s bubbling away, grab a big skillet. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle them generously with the chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Give them a good stir and let them cook until they’re beautifully browned and no longer pink. That usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t overcook them, we want them tender!

Building the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Now for the part that makes this dish sing! Once your chicken is looking good, toss in the chopped tomatoes, the chopped green onions, and that lovely fresh parsley. Stir it all around and let it cook for just a couple of minutes – you want the tomatoes to soften up a bit but not turn to mush. Next, pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half, remember!) and the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up just slightly. This is where all those flavors really start to meld together into something magical. It smells amazing already, doesn’t it?

Combining and Finishing Your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Okay, pasta drained? Chicken and sauce looking fantastic? It’s time to bring it all together! Add your drained, cooked pasta right into the skillet with that gorgeous creamy tomato sauce and chicken. Give everything a really good stir to make sure every single piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that luscious sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or two. Now for the grand finale! Sprinkle that shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. You can pop a lid on for a minute to let it get nice and melty, or just let the residual heat do its thing. Garnish with a little more fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Every Time

You know, getting this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta just right is pretty simple, but a few little tricks can make all the difference. Trust me, these are the things that take it from good to absolutely amazing!

Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency

If your sauce seems a little too thick, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash more chicken broth or cream until it’s perfect. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered, stirring often, until it reaches that lovely, coating consistency.

Maximizing Chicken Tenderness

The key to tender chicken here is not to overcook it! Cut the pieces evenly so they cook through quickly. Once they’re no longer pink and have that nice spice crust, they’re pretty much ready. We’re not looking for tough chicken, just perfectly cooked bites.

Customizing Your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Feel free to play around! Add some fresh spinach or mushrooms with the tomatoes for extra veggies. If you like it spicier, bump up the red chili flakes! And don’t be afraid to swap the parsley for basil if that’s what you have on hand. For more quick and easy recipes, check out our other favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Got questions about this delicious Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes that people love, and I’m happy to clear up any little things.

Can I Make This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time?

You absolutely can! The sauce part is great for making ahead. Just store it in the fridge and then cook your pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat. Combine them, and you’ve got a quick meal!

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta?

Oh, for sure! Fresh spinach wilts in beautifully towards the end. Sautéed mushrooms are also fantastic in this dish. You could even try adding some zucchini or bell peppers when you cook the chicken!

How Do I Reheat Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta?

The best way is to gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a little splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to life. Microwaving works too, just add a bit of liquid and stir halfway through.

Is This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe Spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red chili flakes, but it’s usually not too spicy for most people. If you’re sensitive to heat, just leave out the red chili flakes, or use less. If you love it hot, add a pinch more! For more information on spice levels in cooking, you can refer to this guide on chili peppers.

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Got leftovers of this amazing Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta? Lucky you! Storing and reheating it properly ensures it’s just as delicious the next day. It’s pretty straightforward, but a couple of tips make all the difference.

Method	Instructions
Storing Leftovers	Let your pasta cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep it fresh!
Reheating on the Stove	This is my favorite way! Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir often until it’s heated through.
Reheating in the Microwave	Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small splash of broth or water. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot. This prevents it from drying out.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate for one serving of this delicious Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta. It can totally change depending on the exact brands you use, how much you eat, or any ingredient swaps you make. It’s always good to keep that in mind! For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650
Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	18g
Trans Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	700mg
Carbohydrates	55g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Protein	35g

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