Creamy Garlic and Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic and Tomato Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken breast pieces, fragrant garlic, and the freshness of diced tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and creamy elements that everyone will enjoy.

You’ll love this recipe because the seasoning blend enhances the chicken with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and paprika, while the heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious, velvety sauce. Adding spinach is optional but adds a lovely fresh color and nutrition boost. The dish comes together quickly, making it a practical yet impressive dinner option.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces dry pasta (any kind)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped spinach (optional)
• 2 cups heavy cream (16 oz)
• ½ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add diced tomatoes and chopped spinach (if using), cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and wilted.

6. Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.

7. Slice or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the pan along with the drained pasta. Stir everything gently to combine and heat through.

8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor and aroma.

• Season the chicken well before cooking for layered flavors.

• Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente texture holds up better in the sauce.

• Stir the sauce regularly after adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.

• Add spinach near the end to keep it vibrant and fresh.

Delicious Variations

• Use different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguini.

• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• Mix in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.

• Toss with fresh basil or parsley for herbal brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook the components separately and combine before serving.

What type of pasta works best?

Any shape works, but short pasta holds the sauce nicely.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain well before adding to avoid excess water.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Creamy Garlic and Tomato Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pan meal with juicy chicken, aromatic garlic, tangy diced tomatoes in velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Balanced with Italian herbs and paprika for flavorful, quick weeknight pasta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

10 oz dry pasta (any variety)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup diced tomatoes

2 cups chopped spinach (optional)

2 cups heavy cream (16 oz)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken: Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

3. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Cook chicken 5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Make sauce base: In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add vegetables: Stir in diced tomatoes and spinach (if using). Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

6. Create creamy sauce: Lower heat, pour in heavy cream, and whisk until combined. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Combine: Slice cooked chicken and return it to the pan with the pasta. Toss gently until coated and heated through.

8. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

See also  Creamy mushroom and spinach pasta​

Notes

Use freshly minced garlic to enhance flavor.

Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture in sauce.

Stir cream and cheese gently to avoid curdling.

Add spinach last to keep bright green color.

Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 6
• Sodium: 530
• Fat: 35
• Saturated Fat: 18
• Unsaturated Fat: 16
• Carbohydrates: 42
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 38
• Cholesterol: 190

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken pasta, tomato parmesan pasta, one pan chicken pasta, creamy tomato pasta dinner, weeknight pasta recipe