Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

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Rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying, this Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight is everything a weeknight dinner should be. With tender chunks of chicken nestled into a creamy tomato sauce and tossed with al dente penne, it’s a hearty dish that hits every comfort food note without being too heavy.

This dish combines bold tomato flavor with the mellow creaminess of dairy and the savory bite of perfectly seared chicken. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is fast, flexible, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

This recipe takes minimal ingredients and turns them into a restaurant-quality pasta. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours cooking. The creamy tomato sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the seasoned chicken adds a protein punch that makes it filling and well-balanced.

Plus, it reheats like a dream, making leftovers something to look forward to.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly, and they soak up the flavors of the sauce. However, chicken thighs can also work well if you want something a bit juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks uniformly and mixes easily into the pasta.

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Ingredients for the Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

Each ingredient in this dish plays a specific role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken Breast – Lean protein that becomes juicy and tender when cooked right.
• Penne Pasta – Its ridges hold the sauce beautifully, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
• Tomato Sauce – The base of the dish, adding acidity and depth.
• Heavy Cream – Balances the tang of tomato with richness.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds saltiness and umami, and thickens the sauce.
• Garlic – Fragrant and savory, a must in any good pasta dish.
• Olive Oil – For cooking the chicken and blooming the garlic.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley – A bright finish to cut through the creaminess.

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How To Make the Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let it gently bubble until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every bite.

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How to Serve and Store Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight

This recipe serves about 4 hearty portions, making it a perfect family meal or a great batch for next-day lunches.

To store: Let it cool and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to revive the creaminess.

To freeze: While the cream sauce may change texture slightly, it can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat slowly and stir well.

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What to Serve With Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside — perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy side with romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy, charred element that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes for a light and flavorful starter.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

A medley of seasonal vegetables tossed in balsamic for a sweet-savory twist.

Lemon Asparagus

Light and zesty, asparagus adds brightness to your plate.

A Glass of Chardonnay

A crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy tomato base.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Tomato and Chicken Pasta Delight, here are more flavorful pasta dishes to explore:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for a creamy, romantic dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta if you’re in the mood for seafood.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a vegetarian comfort classic.
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna for heat lovers who want a spicy pasta twist.
• Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne for a meatball pasta masterpiece.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments if you added extra spice or swapped in spinach. I love hearing how you customize these meals. Questions are welcome, too—let’s make dinner magic together.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and comfort food dishes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy favorite!

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