Name: Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken 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; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped; 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 irresistibly cozy about a pasta dish that combines tangy tomato sauce with bright pesto and a creamy finish. This Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe strikes that perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures that make weeknight dinners feel special.

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 Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s a total crowd-pleaser with just the right touch of elegance without the fuss. The combination of tomato, pesto, and creamy elements is like a flavor hug, and the chicken adds hearty protein that keeps you full and satisfied.

Balanced flavors: The savory chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh pesto meld beautifully to create a complex yet approachable dish.
Quick and easy: You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Versatile and customizable: You can tweak the spice levels, swap out ingredients to suit your mood, and still end up with something delicious.
Fresh and creamy textures: The addition of burrata at the end brings a luscious, melty creaminess that transforms every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The pantry staples and fresh additions combine so effortlessly, making the dish more than the sum of its parts. Here's a quick rundown on why these ingredients shine together and a tip or two for shopping smart.

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: Its ridges and tubular shape hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring flavorful bites every time.
Olive oil: Adds depth while sautéing chicken, and using good quality oil can subtly boost the overall dish.
Chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking protein that soaks up all those Italian seasonings beautifully.
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes: Classic flavor boosters that give the dish that unmistakable Italian soul.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little bursts of intense tomato flavor add a pleasant chew and vibrant color.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that wakes up the entire sauce.
Tomato sauce: Acts as the saucy base, bringing smooth, savory sweetness.
Pesto: Brings fresh basil, nuttiness from pine nuts, and a vibrant green zip for contrast.
Light cream: Softens the tomato and pesto blend to luxuriously creamy consistency without heaviness.
Roasted red peppers: Add subtle sweetness and smokiness that lift the whole dish.
Fresh spinach: For quick wilted greens that add color, nutrients, and earthiness.
Burrata: The pièce de résistance—soft, creamy, and luscious cheese that melts into the pasta for that wow factor.

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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 the best things about this Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. I love to switch things up based on what’s in the fridge or what my mood calls for—trust me, it’s a great canvas for creativity in the kitchen.

Variation: Sometimes I swap rigatoni for penne or farfalle—both hold the sauce beautifully and give a fun twist to the texture.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
Heat it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like some kick.
Dairy swap: For a lighter version, I occasionally use half-and-half instead of cream—still rich but a bit lighter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken 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 the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a rolling boil, then salt it generously—it should taste almost like the sea. Cooking your rigatoni in salted water seasons the pasta from within. Follow the package instructions for al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it; it’s a secret weapon for loosening the sauce later if needed!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Seasonings

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and toss in your diced chicken breast. Sear it for 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper—this layers in tons of delicious flavor. Cook for another couple of minutes to let the spices toast slightly and the chicken cook through evenly.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in the tomato sauce, pesto, and light cream—give everything a good stir. Let it gently simmer so the flavors have a chance to meld and the sauce thickens slightly. I like to keep it on low heat here to prevent the cream from curdling.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Toss Pasta

Stir in the roasted red peppers and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down, which only takes a minute or two. Finally, add your drained rigatoni back into the pan and toss everything to coat evenly in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get your desired consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Add Burrata

Serve your pasta warm and top each plate with half a ball of burrata. I love how it melts slowly into the steaming pasta, adding a gorgeous creamy richness that’s almost addictive. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil or sprinkle cracked black pepper before digging in.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe countless times, I’ve learned some little tricks to boost ease and flavor—these might just save your dinner prep!

Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is magic—always save some before draining. It helps adjust the sauce texture perfectly without watering down flavor.
Don’t overcook chicken: Sear until just cooked through—overcooked chicken gets rubbery and dry, which kills the creaminess vibe.
Add spinach last: It wilts quickly and keeps its vibrant color and nutrients when stirred in at the final stage.
Use good quality pesto: Whether store-bought or homemade, it makes a world of difference in balancing fresh herbaceous notes with richness.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I love sprinkling a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of green freshness. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil never fail to round it out beautifully. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also my go-to to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners or guests, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls and topped each with a small burrata ball for that wow factor. A scatter of toasted pine nuts or a few halved cherry tomatoes adds a nice pop of texture and color. Setting the table with fresh herbs or edible flowers really amps up the experience too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When storing, I recommend leaving off the burrata topping and adding it fresh when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

This Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe doesn’t freeze perfectly due to the cream and burrata, which can separate or change texture. If you need to freeze it, do so without the cheese and reheat gently, adding fresh cheese after thawing.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving works too but watch it closely to prevent curdling. Then, stir in fresh burrata or your favorite cheese at serving time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta type for this Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work wonderfully as well. Choose a pasta shape that can catch the sauce to enjoy every bite.

How do I store and reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

Store leftovers without the burrata cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add fresh burrata or cheese when serving to keep the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even chickpeas for protein. The pesto and tomato sauce combination still make a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying dish.

What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella balls or even creamy ricotta cheese make good substitutes. While not exactly the same, they’ll keep that fresh, milky creaminess in the pasta and complement the sauce nicely.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and a touch of elegance to any dinner. It’s approachable enough for everyday cooking but still feels special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and trust me, your guests and family will thank you for it. Grab your skillet, get cozy, and dive into the creamy, saucy goodness!