Easy Italian Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Easy Italian Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce combines tender pieces of seasoned chicken with al dente pasta in a luscious, velvety pink sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Italian herbs. This comforting one-pan wonder delivers rich, balanced flavors — tangy, creamy, and savory — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This recipe
This Easy Italian Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. The creamy tomato sauce clings beautifully to every piece of pasta, while juicy chicken adds satisfying protein.
It strikes the perfect balance between tangy tomatoes and rich cream with aromatic garlic and herbs. You’ll love how simple it is — mostly one pan and ready in under 45 minutes. It’s kid-friendly, customizable, and tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Easy Italian Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Tender chicken and pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy tomato sauce — easy Italian comfort in one pan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the chicken — Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Cook the pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sear the chicken — Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Build the flavor base — In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes — Pour in crushed tomatoes, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich flavor.
- Make it creamy — Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce turns beautifully pink and slightly thickened.
- Add cheese — Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine everything — Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss gently. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Final simmer — Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce.
- Serve with love — Remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Pair with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete Italian meal!
Notes
Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best sauce. Adjust cream for your preferred richness. The sauce thickens as it sits, so add pasta water as needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 647Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 20gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 166mgSodium 621mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 41g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Sear chicken well for extra flavor before removing it from the pan.
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for perfect coating.
- Don’t boil the sauce after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes superior.
- Cook pasta just until al dente as it finishes in the sauce.
- Taste and balance acidity with a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Finish with fresh basil for bright Italian aroma.
- Let the dish rest 2–3 minutes before serving for best texture.
Ingredients Notes
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully — thighs stay juicier. High-quality crushed tomatoes or passata form the flavorful base. Heavy cream creates the signature silky pink sauce. Fresh garlic and Italian herbs (oregano, basil) deliver classic Italian taste.
Olive oil and butter add richness and help sauté. Parmesan cheese brings nutty saltiness that thickens the sauce naturally. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are excellent pasta choices as they hold the creamy sauce well. Fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant finish.
Variations and Substitutions
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor or shrimp for a seafood twist. Make it lighter with half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
For a spicy version, increase red pepper flakes or add Calabrian chili. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly.
Turn it into a bake by topping with mozzarella and broiling. For a lower-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Replace chicken with sausage or make it vegetarian with chickpeas or eggplant.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
This dish does not freeze well due to the cream content (it may separate), but if needed, freeze up to 1 month and reheat slowly with added liquid while whisking.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Easy Italian Chicken Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Easy Italian Chicken Cacciatore (Hunter’s Chicken)
