Name: Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta (One Pan)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups dry penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp flour; 4 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, pressed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning blend; 1.5 cups cooking cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; ½ cup tomato sauce; 3 cups spinach; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded, plus additional for serving; Fresh basil, for serving

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta (One Pan) Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy, ready in about 35 minutes.

The creamy tomato sauce is rich, flavorful, and comforting.

It uses simple ingredients that work together perfectly.

Everything comes together mostly in one pan for easier cleanup.

The spinach and tomatoes add freshness and color to the dish.

It is filling enough for dinner while still feeling light and balanced.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups dry penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp flour
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, pressed
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
1.5 cups cooking cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup tomato sauce of choice
3 cups spinach, or about 3 large handfuls
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded, plus more for serving
Fresh basil, for serving

Directions

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into 3-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl and season with salt, black pepper, and flour. Toss until evenly coated.

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add half of the butter. Once melted, add the chicken and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the remaining butter and pressed garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning blend. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Pour in the cooking cream, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts. You may need to add the spinach in batches to fit it all into the pan.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Stir everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.

Serve warm with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 5

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine instead of penne pasta.

Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Use half-and-half instead of cooking cream for a lighter sauce.

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Try mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy version.

Use kale instead of spinach if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still taste delicious the next day.

Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces can separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe.

What type of cream should I use?

Cooking cream or heavy cream works best for a rich and smooth sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes. Diced canned tomatoes can work, but fresh cherry tomatoes add a sweeter flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should no longer be pink inside and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator, then reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.

Why is my sauce too thick?

The sauce may thicken as it sits. Add a little chicken broth or cream to thin it out.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes. Romano, Asiago, or mozzarella cheese are tasty alternatives.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta is a comforting one-pan dinner packed with flavor and simple ingredients. The creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese create a satisfying meal that is both easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.