Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta – Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
When you’re craving something rich, cozy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is the answer. This dish brings together tender, golden-seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky tomato cream sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful.
It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in about 30 minutes — making it the ultimate easy chicken pasta dinner for busy weeknights. With simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh additions, this tomato cream chicken pasta recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
If you love creamy sauces balanced with bright tomato flavor, this comforting weeknight pasta will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Uses simple ingredients
- Great for leftovers
- Feels elegant but is easy to make
The combination of tangy tomatoes and smooth cream creates a beautifully balanced sauce that coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
The Secret to a Perfect Tomato Cream Sauce
The magic of this quick creamy pasta recipe lies in balancing acidity and richness. Tomatoes provide brightness and depth, while heavy cream softens the acidity and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
A few simple tips ensure success:
- Simmer the tomatoes briefly to concentrate flavor.
- Add cream over gentle heat to prevent separation.
- Finish with Parmesan for extra depth and natural thickening.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. - Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing. - Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the Tomato Base
Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and let simmer for 4–5 minutes to develop flavor. - Add the Cream
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Let simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. - Incorporate the Cheese
Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. - Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan before serving warm.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Season and sear chicken until cooked through, then slice.
- Sauté garlic and add crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Stir in cream and simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan and mix until smooth.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Pasta Dinner
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Use a meat thermometer and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Adjust Thickness
Add a splash of pasta water for a silkier texture.
Boost Flavor
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Delicious Variations
Spinach Tomato Chicken Pasta
Add fresh spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomato Version
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Mushroom Upgrade
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic.
Lightened Version
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This comforting weeknight pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted zucchini
- Steamed broccoli
A crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezing
Cream-based sauces may change texture slightly after freezing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the cream at high heat
- Skipping resting time for chicken
- Overcooking pasta
- Adding cheese while sauce is too hot
Why This is the Perfect Quick Creamy Pasta Recipe
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta offers everything you want in a comforting dinner: richness, warmth, and balanced flavor. It’s indulgent without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and quick enough for even the busiest evenings.
The tender chicken adds heartiness, while the silky tomato cream sauce ties everything together in the most satisfying way.
If you’re looking for a creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe that’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor, this dish delivers every time.
