Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Chicken is a delightful dish that blends rich flavors and a comforting texture. It’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The creamy sauce adds a touch of indulgence, while the chicken provides protein to satisfy your hunger. This recipe is not just filling but also a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

how to make Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Chicken

Ingredients :

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions :

1. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet; sauté until onions are translucent.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs; stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken in the skillet; toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

how to serve Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Chicken

Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. You can garnish it with fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor and color. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine also complements this dish nicely.

how to store Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook.

tips to make Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Chicken

• For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs and olive oil before cooking.
• If you like more spice, add additional red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option, like evaporated milk, if you want to reduce calories.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or use chickpeas as a protein source.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli all work great in this recipe.

2. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta when you are ready to serve. Just reheat the sauce and combine it with fresh pasta.

Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Chicken

A delightful dish that blends rich flavors and a comforting texture, this creamy tomato sauce with chicken over rigatoni makes a perfect weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Chicken

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet; sauté until onions are translucent.

Sauce Preparation

• Stir in red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs; stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Final Assembly

• Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken in the skillet; toss to coat.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs and olive oil before cooking. If you like more spice, add additional red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter option.

Keyword chicken, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Pasta, Quick Meals, Weeknight Dinner