Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti

Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a luscious tomato-cream sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Bursting with flavor and ready in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying family dinner or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers everything you want from a cozy pasta meal: savory tomato flavor, rich creaminess, and juicy, well-seasoned chicken. It’s an all-in-one dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, it comes together easily using pantry staples and a single skillet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• Heavy cream
• Dried basil and oregano
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, cooking another 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cooked spaghetti and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more vegetables.
• Use penne or fettuccine instead of spaghetti.
• Replace cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added directly to the sauce and heated through.

Can I substitute the cream?

You can use half-and-half, full-fat milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Reheat gently after thawing.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, but blend them if you prefer a smoother sauce consistency.

What pasta shapes work best?

Spaghetti is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or linguine also work well.

How do I avoid overcooked pasta?

Cook it al dente and toss it with the sauce just before serving.

What herbs pair well with tomato cream sauce?

Basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley are excellent choices.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables or plant-based protein.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer, or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan to help it bind.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together familiar ingredients in an irresistibly creamy and flavorful way. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or hosting friends.

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