Creamy, tangy, and satisfyingly hearty, this Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight is everything you crave in a comforting dinner dish. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and herbs, then tossed with your favorite pasta for a weeknight winner that feels like a restaurant meal.

What makes this recipe shine is its versatility. You can switch up the pasta, sneak in extra veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something homemade and soul-warming.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight?

While penne and rigatoni are popular choices because they trap the sauce beautifully, you can use spaghetti, fusilli, or even fettuccine depending on your mood or pantry. The key is to choose a shape that holds the sauce well and complements the bite-sized chicken pieces.

Ingredients for the Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne or your favorite shape)
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

How To Make the Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Cream Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and stir until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped basil and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storing Your Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Leftovers make an excellent lunch and can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy even after simmering. Just trim excess fat and cook thoroughly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully. Sauté them with the onions for added texture and nutrition.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of this Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight, you’ll want to check out these other mouthwatering pasta recipes that deliver comfort and flavor:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy tomato-basil twist with sun-dried tomatoes.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving a sauce-packed chicken meal over noodles.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with bold spices and hearty bites.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a low-effort, big-reward dinner.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach when you want seafood flair in your pasta.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can return to it anytime: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Have you made this Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight? I’d love to hear your take! Did you swap the cream? Add a veggie? Try it with gluten-free pasta?

Leave a comment and share your tweaks. We’re all about experimenting in the kitchen and finding what works best for our taste!

Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, comforting pasta dinner featuring tender chicken, garlic, and herbs in a tomato-Parmesan cream sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Sear until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add diced tomatoes with juices and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.

4. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.

5. Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and mix until coated. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.

6. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.