Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella
Tomato Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, garlic, herbs, pasta, and plenty of melted mozzarella. The combination of tomato, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella gives every bite a smooth, savory finish.
This Tomato Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and comes together in one skillet while the pasta cooks separately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Extra mozzarella, optional
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tomato Chicken Pasta combines creamy sauce, juicy chicken, tender pasta, and melted cheese in a meal that feels comforting but still has plenty of bright tomato flavor.
Another reason to love Tomato Chicken Pasta is how flexible it is. You can use different pasta shapes, add spinach or mushrooms, make it a little spicy, or lighten the sauce with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
How to Make Tomato Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package directions.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-size pieces.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet.
Stir in the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 5: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan because they add extra flavor to Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Let the sauce simmer for 7 to 8 minutes so the tomatoes soften and the flavors blend.
Step 6: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Do not let it boil aggressively after adding the cream.
Step 7: Add Parmesan
Stir in the Parmesan until melted.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.
Step 8: Return the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy tomato sauce.
Let it warm for 1 to 2 minutes.
At this point, Tomato Chicken Pasta should have a rich sauce that clings easily to both the chicken and the pasta.
Step 9: Add the Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet.
Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 10: Add the Mozzarella
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta.
Stir half of it into the sauce, then leave the remaining cheese over the top.
Cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and stretchy.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Finish Tomato Chicken Pasta with fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately while the mozzarella is warm and melted.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to serve as a complete dinner, but simple sides make it even better.
Pair it with garlic bread, toasted sourdough, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
A crisp green salad, Caesar salad, cucumber tomato salad, or roasted vegetables can add freshness to the meal.
For another easy chicken dinner, try our Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with juicy chicken, fresh lemon, garlic, and simple herbs.
Recipe Tips
Cut the chicken into similar-size pieces so it cooks evenly.
Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better once mixed with the sauce.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella when possible because it melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Low-moisture mozzarella works best for Tomato Chicken Pasta because it creates a creamy, stretchy finish without releasing too much liquid.
Keep the heat moderate after adding the cream to prevent the sauce from separating.
Reserve pasta water before draining. Its starch helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Easy Variations
Tomato Chicken Pasta is easy to customize with ingredients you already have.
Add a few handfuls of baby spinach during the final minutes of cooking for extra color and vegetables.
Sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the onion before the tomatoes are added.
For a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili paste.
You can also replace chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
A handful of sun-dried tomatoes can deepen the tomato flavor, while chopped roasted red peppers add a mild sweetness.
You may also enjoy our Cheesy Potato Packs for a comforting side dish with tender potatoes, melted cheese, garlic, and herbs.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Tomato Chicken Pasta can be partially prepared in advance.
Cook and season the chicken up to one day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator.
The sauce for Tomato Chicken Pasta can also be made in advance without the cream and cheese. Reheat it gently, then add the cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, chicken, and freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Tomato Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The sauce in Tomato Chicken Pasta will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of milk, broth, or water before reheating.
Warm individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
For a larger portion, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat.
You can add a little fresh mozzarella or Parmesan after reheating to refresh the creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 560
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the pasta, cheese, cream, tomato products, and exact serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay especially juicy.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, shells, and rotini all work well because they hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, although the texture will be slightly less rich.
Why did my sauce become too thick?
The pasta may have absorbed extra liquid. Add a small splash of reserved pasta water, broth, or milk until the desired consistency returns.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, peas, and broccoli are all good additions to Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Chopped ripe tomatoes can replace canned tomatoes, although you may need to simmer them a little longer so the sauce develops enough body.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months, but creamy sauces and pasta can become softer after thawing. Refrigerated leftovers usually give the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Tomato Chicken Pasta is an easy way to turn chicken, pasta, tomatoes, cream, and cheese into a cozy family dinner with simple ingredients.
Because Tomato Chicken Pasta is flexible, you can adjust the vegetables, pasta shape, spice level, or cheese without changing the basic method.
Keep this Tomato Chicken Pasta recipe handy for busy evenings when you want something creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
With tender chicken, rich tomato cream sauce, melted mozzarella, and plenty of comforting flavor, Tomato Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for casual entertaining.