Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

This rich comforting Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is made with garlic, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream and ready in 30 minutes. Tossing the hot pasta into the bubbling cream sauce coats every noodle perfectly. I rely on this easy dinner on busy weeknights when time is tight.

Why This Classic Works

I used to end up with split cream sauces when making pasta at home. The heat was always too high, causing the dairy to separate into a greasy mess.

Lowering the heat before adding the cream completely fixed the issue. Now the sauce stays beautifully smooth and coats the chicken perfectly every time.

Jump to Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

How To Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

1. 1. Boil The Pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. 2. Sear The Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the diced chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. 3. Make The Base: Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and stir for one minute until fragrant.
4. 4. Simmer The Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, letting the mixture simmer gently for five minutes.
5. 5. Add The Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until fully combined.
6. 6. Combine And Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, top with fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature cream: Cold cream can curdle when it hits the hot tomato sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: Save a splash of the starchy water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.

What To Serve With Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

A crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the tomato cream sauce. Garlic bread is also excellent for soaking up any leftover sauce in the bowl.

How To Store

Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to revive the creamy sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the cream may separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. They are very forgiving and stay incredibly juicy in the sauce.

What type of pasta is best?

Short, tubular shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal. The ridges and tubes help hold onto the creamy tomato sauce.

Can I substitute half and half for heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and slightly less rich. Be extra careful not to boil the sauce if using half and half to prevent splitting.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 52g
• Protein: 38g

Try More Recipes:

• Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe