Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta – Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta at the end of a long day. The warmth, the richness, the way the sauce clings perfectly to each piece — it feels like a reward for simply getting through the day. Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta delivers all of that comfort, with a balance of savory seared chicken and a silky tomato cream sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.
This easy chicken pasta recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant.
If you’ve been searching for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple, this comforting pasta recipe is about to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This dish checks all the right boxes:
- Quick and ready in 30 minutes
- Made with simple, accessible ingredients
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Perfectly creamy without feeling too rich
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
The secret lies in the tomato cream sauce. It starts with crushed tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste for depth, then gets mellowed with heavy cream and finished with Parmesan. The result is a smooth, velvety sauce with balanced acidity and richness.
Add in golden seared chicken, and you have a meal that feels complete in one bowl.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
- Add drained pasta and toss until evenly coated in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes; simmer.
- Add cream and Parmesan; stir until smooth.
- Return chicken and pasta; toss and simmer briefly.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Sear the chicken properly. Don’t overcrowd the pan — this helps create golden edges and better flavor.
Cook tomato paste briefly. This step caramelizes the paste and removes any raw taste.
Simmer gently after adding cream. High heat can cause separation.
Reserve pasta water. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Delicious Variations
Add Spinach
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until wilted for added color and nutrients.
Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For deeper flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Make It Lighter
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Try Different Pasta Shapes
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even shells work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato cream sauce pasta pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
For a cozy dinner experience, serve it in warm bowls with extra Parmesan at the table.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though cream-based sauces are best enjoyed fresh.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta offers the perfect balance between indulgent and practical. It’s rich but not overwhelming, quick yet deeply flavorful, and comforting without being complicated.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply treating yourself after a busy day, this easy chicken pasta recipe delivers every time.
One skillet. One pot of pasta. Thirty minutes. Endless comfort.
