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
Scale
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