Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the tangy freshness of tomatoes and tender chicken. This dish brings together creamy goodness and savory flavors in a way that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a side salad or warm bread.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quick, indulgent meal featuring tender chicken, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. A comforting, flavorful dish you’ll crave!
Ingredients
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Diced tomatoes (canned)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Basil (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Penne or spaghetti pasta
Instructions
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Cook pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Prepare sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken, then add grated Parmesan and basil, stirring until smooth.
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Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, mixing with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
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Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
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Variations:
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Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey.
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Make a vegetarian version by adding roasted veggies.
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For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes.
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Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why you’ll love this creamy tomato chicken pasta. First, it’s easy to prepare and comes together in less than 30 minutes. The creamy tomato sauce is bursting with flavor from garlic, basil, and a touch of cream, making it the perfect companion to tender, juicy chicken and al dente pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a ton of time in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this pasta is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
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Olive oil
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Garlic (minced)
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Diced tomatoes (canned)
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese (grated)
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Basil (fresh or dried)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Penne or spaghetti pasta
Directions
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Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet and stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to thicken.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese and basil, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
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Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, mixing it with the sauce.
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Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Total time: 30 minutes
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Variations
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Chicken Alternatives: Swap out chicken for shrimp or even turkey for a different protein option.
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
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Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
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Cheese Lovers: Add mozzarella or goat cheese for an even cheesier experience.
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Low-carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in place of traditional pasta for a low-carb version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover creamy tomato chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine everything with the pasta right before serving.
3. Can I freeze creamy tomato chicken pasta?
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
4. Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear.
6. Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can omit the Parmesan or replace it with another cheese like Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor.
7. What other herbs can I use in this dish?
You can substitute basil with oregano, thyme, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be great additions.
9. Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you’d like some heat.
10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is an easy, satisfying, and flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something that can be whipped up in a flash, this recipe hits all the right notes. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and simple. With endless ways to customize it to your liking, you’ll find yourself making this dish over and over again!
