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 blend of flavors in this Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. The rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a plate. Let me share how you can easily whip this up and wow your taste buds.

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 always searching for dishes that deliver big flavor without fuss, and this Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests but comes together in under 30 minutes.

One-Pan Wonder: You cook the chicken and sauce in the same pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Perfect Flavor Combo: Tangy tomato sauce, vibrant pesto, and creamy light cream all marry beautifully, creating rich layers of taste.
Fresh and Filling: Roasted red peppers and spinach add bright colors and nutrients, keeping it balanced and satisfying.
Burrata Finish: Dropping creamy burrata on top introduces a luscious, indulgent touch that makes every bite silky smooth.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe has a purpose — whether it's to boost flavor, texture, or color. Using quality basics like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach elevates the dish, and grabbing pre-roasted red peppers saves time without sacrificing taste.

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 ridged surface holds onto the luscious sauce, so every bite is packed with flavor.
Olive oil: A simple but essential base to sear the chicken, adding a buttery richness.
Chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, it soaks up all the herbs and spice perfectly.
Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil that tie everything together.
Garlic powder: Gives a punch of savory depth with minimal effort.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the creaminess without overwhelming.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy and intensely flavored, they add a little tang and chew.
Fresh garlic: Sautéed briefly for aromatic sharpness that complements the tomato base.
Tomato sauce: The heart of the dish providing rich tomato flavor and a vibrant color.
Pesto: Adds garlicky basil goodness and nutty complexity.
Light cream: Cuts the acidity with smooth silkiness but keeps calories lighter than heavy cream.
Roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, bringing a pop of color and flavor contrast.
Fresh spinach: Wilts down for nutrient-packed greens without extra bulk.
Burrata cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy pockets that turn this into a restaurant-worthy dish.

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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

I love making this recipe my own by swapping in ingredients based on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to tweak the heat, swap the chicken for shrimp, or even use gluten-free pasta if that’s your jam.

Variation: One time, I tried roasted mushrooms instead of chicken and it was just as incredible – earthy and hearty with the creamy sauce.

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 the Pasta Perfectly

Start with a large pot of heavily salted boiling water—this is your flavor base. Cook the rigatoni just until al dente according to the package. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; the starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Love

Heat your olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, tossing it around for about 2–3 minutes until it starts to brown. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and let it sear for another couple of minutes. This step helps lock in flavor and gives the chicken a nice crust.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, toss in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 2 minutes until aromatic. Pour in the tomato sauce, pesto, and light cream. Stir everything to combine and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer—this lets all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Pasta

Stir in roasted red peppers and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and softens. Then add the cooked rigatoni back to the pan. Toss everything thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with that dreamy sauce. If it feels thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve with Burrata

Plate your pasta and crown each serving with half a ball of burrata cheese. The cheese melts and turns the dish irresistibly creamy right before your eyes—definitely not to be skipped!

Top Tip

From my many attempts cooking this dish, I've learned a few tricks that elevate it beyond just good—making it truly memorable and hassle-free.

Reserve Pasta Water: Using reserved pasta water to thin the sauce helps it cling perfectly, making every forkful luscious.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep your chicken juicy by searing on medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to get that nice caramelization.
Add Spinach Last: Toss spinach in at the end of cooking so it just wilts and stays vibrant—not mushy.
Fresh Burrata Finish: Adding burrata at serving time—not earlier—keeps its creamy texture intact and gives a fresh, indulgent feel.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a pop of bright green color and fresh herbal aroma. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the burrata makes it shine and adds silky richness.

Side Dishes

A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements this creamy pasta perfectly, cutting through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce—because we all know that's the best part!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this pasta in wide shallow bowls and place a small burrata ball in the center of each plate. It looks restaurant-worthy and invites guests to mix the cheese through themselves, creating a fun, interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta before with decent results—just omit the burrata before freezing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring every 30 seconds helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents drying out. Add fresh burrata after reheating for that fresh creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rigatoni is great because its shape traps sauce, but penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work beautifully, holding onto the creamy pesto tomato sauce just as well.

Is there a substitute for burrata cheese?

If burrata is hard to find, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute. While it doesn’t have the same creamy interior, it still melts nicely and adds a mild flavor. You can also swirl in a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the light cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and omit the burrata or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Pesto can sometimes have cheese, so check the label or make a homemade vegan pesto to keep it dairy-free.

How spicy is this Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat—enough to brighten the flavors but not make it spicy-hot. You can easily adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something satisfying but not complicated. Its combination of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and that luscious sauce topped with gooey burrata is simply unbeatable in my kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner.