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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful recipe brings together tender chicken pieces, vibrant tomatoes, and velvety cream all tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The harmony of spices, fresh herbs, and gooey melted mozzarella creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a stunningly luscious meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to whip up this soul-soothing pasta? The beauty of the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element, from the spices to the creamy base, plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, delivering a satisfying texture, and adding gorgeous color to the plate.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: The spiral shape traps the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Gives a smoky warmth that elevates the tomato base without being too spicy.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat that teases the palate, balancing the creaminess beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes: Provides juicy freshness and a bright acidity that cuts through the creamy sauce.
- 6 green onions, chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and mild sharpness for a fresh contrast.
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Gives a burst of herby brightness that lightens the dish visually and in taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half): The star ingredient for a luxuriously creamy sauce that hugs every ingredient.
- ½ cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Enhances flavor depth without excess salt; keeps the sauce silky.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the pasta for a luscious, cheesy finish that brings everything together.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but still with a little bite. Once ready, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. This step is crucial because the pasta needs to be ready to soak up all the delicious sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat to create a rich cooking base. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, along with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything until the chicken turns opaque and is no longer pink inside. This step infuses the chicken with smoky, slightly spicy flavors that make every bite exciting.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh parsley. Cook the mixture for about two minutes to let the vegetables soften and release their vibrant flavors. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the sauce to a gentle boil. This creamy, dreamy sauce forms the heart of the dish, marrying the savory chicken and fresh veggies beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure each piece of rotini is luxuriously coated with the creamy tomato sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top so it melts into the warm pasta, adding a gooey, cheesy layer of indulgence. For an extra touch of color and freshness, garnish with a handful of additional chopped parsley before serving immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of verdant color but also a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce. If you love a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes on top can add that perfect finishing kick.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the creaminess and refreshes the palate. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another excellent choice, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, try serving the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella and fresh parsley. You can also add a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few grinds of fresh black pepper for that professional touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pasta, any leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor the flavors just as vibrant as the first day.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe longer, it freezes well. Place leftover portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To preserve the creamy texture, gently thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Stir thoroughly to bring back that silky sauce consistency and enjoy as if it’s fresh from the skillet.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can work beautifully depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it. The dish will still be delicious and creamy.
How spicy is this recipe?
The combination of chili powder and red pepper flakes provides a mild to moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste. Adding less red pepper or leaving it out altogether will make it milder.
Can I prep any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop your vegetables and chicken in advance and even cook the pasta beforehand. Just keep everything refrigerated and combine everything fresh when you’re ready to finish cooking.
What’s the best type of chicken to use for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook quickly and remain tender, but chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh ingredients makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your new favorite go-to meals to share with your loved ones.
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Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Enhanced with a hint of chili powder and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella cheese, this meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 6 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Sauces & Cheese
- 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: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, 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 unsalted butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken thoroughly until it is no longer pink inside, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly and meld the flavors. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the sauce to come together and thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato chicken sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your creamy tomato chicken pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or a milk alternative.
- Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or Parmesan for a sharper flavor alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best for this dish.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
