Name: Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rigatoni; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 chicken breast diced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; 15 oz tomato sauce; 6 oz pesto; 1/3 cup light cream; 1 cup roasted red peppers chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 balls burrata (4 ounces each)

There’s something truly comforting about the mix of creamy, tangy tomato and fresh basil pesto swirling through tender chicken and pasta. This Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe brings all those flavors together in a way that’s both simple and satisfying—trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

A large silver pan is filled with rigatoni pasta mixed with small pieces of light brown cooked chicken, bright red bell pepper slices, and green spinach leaves. The pasta is coated in a light orange sauce that sticks gently to each piece. The pan rests on a white marbled surface near a potted green plant on a small wooden board. To the right, there are two stacked white plates with two forks placed on top. A black spoon is partially inside the pan. There is a beige cloth near the bottom left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly hooked on this pasta because it hits all the right notes: creamy but bright, easy but impressive. Every time I make it, family and friends are asking for seconds—and I don’t blame them. It’s just an all-around winner.

Layered flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and roasted red peppers makes the sauce stand out.
Simple prep: Minimal ingredients come together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Comfort food with a fresh twist: The cream adds richness without heaviness, while spinach keeps it bright and colorful.
Customizable and forgiving: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a specific role to balance richness, zest, and texture. Plus, most are pantry staples or easy to find at your local store. Here’s why they work so well together:

Flat lay of rigatoni pasta, a small white bowl of olive oil, diced raw chicken breast pieces, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning blend, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of rich red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of green pesto sauce, a small white bowl of light cream, a small white bowl of chopped roasted red peppers, a pile of fresh green spinach leaves, two whole fresh burrata balls placed on a simple white ceramic plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rigatoni: This pasta’s ridges grab onto the sauce perfectly, making sure each bite is saucy and satisfying.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken with a gentle, fruity flavor.
Chicken breast: Provides lean protein that’s tender and quick-cooking—season well to keep it juicy.
Italian seasoning & garlic powder: Classic herbs and spices bring warmth and depth without complication.
Red pepper flakes: A subtle kick that livens up the sauce just right.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These concentrate tomato flavor and add a slightly chewy texture that contrasts nicely.
Garlic: The aromatic backbone that enhances all the other ingredients.
Tomato sauce: The base that makes this dish saucy, tangy, and comforting.
Pesto: Fresh basil and pine nuts meld into the tomato sauce for an herby punch.
Light cream: Just enough creaminess to smooth the sauce without weighing it down.
Roasted red peppers: For a sweet, smoky element along with added color and texture.
Fresh spinach: Adds fresh, healthy greens that wilt down beautifully into the sauce.
Burrata: Soft, creamy, and dreamy—melts perfectly on top to make the final dish decadent and inviting.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies, it's a flexible canvas for your cravings.

Variation: I’ve made this with turkey sausage instead of chicken when I needed a twist—just cook it the same way, and it adds a smoky richness that’s fantastic.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-packed version that’s just as hearty.
Extra heat: If you love spice, toss in more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne—I’ve done this and the flavor perks right up.
Gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, but keep an eye on cook times as these vary.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows one bowl of rigatoni pasta with a creamy red sauce mixed with chunks of cooked chicken, wilted spinach, and roasted red pepper strips. The pasta is arranged in a mound in a beige bowl with a fork on the side. On top of the pasta, there is a dollop of soft white cheese sprinkled with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Behind it, another white bowl with more of the same pasta is slightly out of focus. The surface underneath the bowl is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook your pasta perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil—seasoning here is key for flavorful pasta. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Remember to save about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it, it’s a secret weapon for the sauce later!

Step 2: Sear the chicken with seasoning

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add your diced chicken breast and sprinkle on Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sear it for 2-3 minutes so it starts to brown nicely, then toss it around for another 2 minutes until cooked through but still juicy. This step builds the base flavor for the dish.

Step 3: Build the sauce

Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken and sauté for 2 more minutes—you'll smell all the layers of flavor coming together. Then pour in the tomato sauce, pesto, and light cream, stirring gently until combined. Bring the sauce to a low simmer to let everything meld perfectly.

Step 4: Add veggies and combine

Fold in the roasted red peppers and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts—this keeps it tender not soggy. Now it’s time to toss in the pasta, mixing everything until every bite is coated in that luscious sauce. If it feels a little thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to get the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Plate and finish with burrata

Scoop the pasta onto plates and top each with half a ball of creamy burrata. As it melts, it adds an extra layer of decadence that you didn’t know you needed. Serve immediately and enjoy those happy smiles around the table.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this pasta consistently delicious and easy. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect creamy finish every time.

Save the pasta water: Adding a bit of this starchy water loosens the sauce without diluting the flavors, giving it that silky texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep it juicy by slicing small even pieces and searing quickly over medium heat.
Fresh spinach at the end: Add it last so it just wilts and stays vibrant green, adding freshness and color.
Use good quality pesto: It really makes a difference—homemade or store-bought, look for bright green and fresh seasoning notes.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top—it adds a pop of flavor and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. If you love a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds work beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like pairing this pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to soak up every bit of that sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini are another favorite for adding texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a small burrata ball on top and finished with edible flowers or microgreens. It elevates the look and makes your guests feel pampered without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish actually keeps very well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I store leftovers in an airtight container and when it's time to eat, give it a quick stir in a skillet to bring the sauce back to life, adding a splash of water or cream if it’s thickened too much.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times when meal prepping. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the spinach and cream sauce may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream, water, or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thick or sticking. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great because it holds the sauce well, you can use penne, fusilli, or farfalle with similar results. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What kind of pesto works best for this dish?

I recommend a classic basil pesto with pine nuts, either homemade or good quality store-bought. You can experiment with other pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for different flavor twists.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the light cream for coconut milk or a nut-based cream substitute, and replace burrata with a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely for a delicious dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cutting the chicken into small pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. Searing it over medium heat and not overcooking by removing it once it's just cooked through will keep it tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate for me. It’s one of those dishes I find myself coming back to when I want something hearty but not fussy. You’ll love how it’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes anyone sitting at your table feel special. Give it a go—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!