Description
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting 30-minute dinner made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce with a touch of heat. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain (do not rinse) and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with chili powder, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Build the flavor: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the mozzarella until melted and creamy. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for mushrooms or zucchini.
- Adjust spice by reducing or omitting chili powder and flakes.
- Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowties works well.
- Add spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.
- Use canned tomatoes if fresh aren’t available, just drain well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
