One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta is the kind of meal that fits effortlessly into real life. It delivers rich flavor, comforting texture, and satisfying protein without demanding hours in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender chicken, a silky tomato cream sauce, and pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. Designed for busy evenings, it cooks mostly in one pan and finishes in under 40 minutes. With simple ingredients and reliable results, this recipe offers a dependable solution when you want something hearty, balanced, and deeply satisfying without extra cleanup.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
Creamy chicken tomato pasta cooked in one pot for an easy, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups dry penne pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups heavy cooking cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil
Instructions
1. Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Season chicken and coat with flour.
3. Cook chicken in butter until done; remove.
4. Cook garlic and tomatoes in remaining butter.
5. Add cream, broth, and tomato sauce; simmer.
6. Add spinach and Parmesan until smooth.
7. Return chicken and pasta; toss and serve.
Notes
Reheat gently with added liquid to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Why One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta Works for Busy Nights
Fast comfort with One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
This recipe comes together quickly because each step builds on the last. The chicken cooks first, then the sauce develops in the same pan, capturing flavor without extra effort. Dinner feels thoughtful without slowing you down.
Minimal cleanup using One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Using a single skillet reduces dishes and keeps the cooking process smooth. Fewer pans mean less mess and more time to enjoy the meal.
Balanced flavors in One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Cream, tomato sauce, herbs, and Parmesan create a rich yet balanced profile. The acidity of tomatoes keeps the sauce lively while cream adds body and smoothness.
Ingredients That Build Flavor in One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Chicken and pasta choices for One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when lightly coated in flour. Penne pasta works well because its ridges hold sauce effectively.
Creamy tomato sauce base essentials
Heavy cooking cream, chicken broth, and tomato sauce form a smooth foundation. This trio ensures depth without overpowering the dish.
Herbs, cheese, and fresh add-ins
Italian seasoning, garlic, fresh spinach, and Parmesan provide layers of flavor. Basil added at the end brings freshness and aroma.
How to Cook One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta Perfectly
Preparing chicken for creamy pasta success
Seasoning the chicken and coating it lightly with flour helps create a golden exterior. This step also thickens the sauce naturally later.
Building a smooth tomato cream sauce
Garlic and cherry tomatoes release flavor into melted butter. Adding cream, broth, and tomato sauce slowly keeps the mixture cohesive and silky.
Combining everything in one pot
Once spinach wilts and cheese melts, the cooked chicken and pasta return to the skillet. Gentle tossing ensures even coating without breaking the pasta.
Texture and Flavor Tips for One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Keeping chicken tender and juicy
Avoid overcooking during the first sear. Removing the chicken early prevents dryness and allows it to finish cooking in the sauce.
Achieving a creamy, not heavy sauce
Simmer gently rather than boiling. This preserves the cream’s texture and keeps the sauce smooth.
Fresh garnishes that elevate the dish
Parmesan and basil add contrast and brightness. These final touches make the dish feel complete and well-balanced.
Variations on One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Creamy chicken pasta variations
Swap spinach for kale or mushrooms for a deeper, earthier note. Sun-dried tomatoes also work well for added intensity.
Crispy chicken with creamy pasta ideas
For extra texture, pan-sear the chicken a bit longer before removing it. This creates crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the sauce.
Simple swaps for dietary needs
Use gluten-free pasta if needed and adjust liquid slightly. The sauce adapts easily without losing consistency.
Serving and Pairing One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta
Best side dishes to serve
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well. Garlic bread works if you want something indulgent.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Making it meal-prep friendly
This dish holds its texture well, making it suitable for lunches. Portioning ahead saves time during busy weeks.
If you enjoy hearty chicken-based meals, you may also like this comforting cheesy chicken tater tot bake or the bold flavors found in cheesy chicken taco pasta, both excellent options for weeknight dinners.
FAQs
Creamy chicken pasta
This dish balances creaminess with acidity from tomatoes, preventing it from feeling too rich.
Crispy chicken with creamy pasta
Lightly browning the chicken first creates texture while keeping the interior moist.
Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, it reheats well when warmed slowly with added liquid.
How do you keep the sauce from separating?
Maintain gentle heat and avoid rapid boiling after adding cream.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tomato Pasta brings together comfort, efficiency, and flavor in one reliable recipe. Its straightforward method and adaptable ingredients make it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks. With minimal cleanup and consistent results, this dish earns a permanent spot in the weekly dinner rotation.
For more successful recipes, you can visit our Pinterest account