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; 1 chicken breast diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 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 incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of pasta that’s bursting with flavor and a touch of creaminess. This Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe hits all those notes perfectly, combining savory chicken, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and luscious burrata cheese in every bite. 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 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

This recipe brings together classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist that feels indulgent but not overwhelming. I love how easy it is to whip up on a weeknight, yet it tastes fancy enough to impress guests too. Plus, the combination of pesto and tomato sauce is just pure magic.

Balanced Flavors: The bright tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the herbaceous pesto and creamy finish.
Protein-Packed: Tender chicken breast adds just the right amount of heartiness and makes it a complete meal.
Textural Contrast: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and burrata create a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Quick and Easy: From pantry staples to the freshest spinach, it all comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I always think of this comfort dish like a symphony where each ingredient plays a part—from the chewy pasta to the creamy sauce and the fresh greens. Here’s why each element deserves a spot in your grocery cart.

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: Their ridges and tubes catch the sauce perfectly, so you get flavor in every bite.
Olive Oil: Adds a smooth base for searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies with subtle richness.
Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that builds that classic Italian flavor profile without extra fuss.
Garlic Powder & Fresh Garlic: The combo adds layers of garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with concentrated tomato flavor and a slight chewiness that is delicious in contrast.
Tomato Sauce: The base of our sauce—creamy, tangy, and comforting.
Pesto: Herbs, nuts, and cheese blended together, it brings depth and a vibrant green hue.
Light Cream: Keeps the sauce luscious and smooth without being too heavy.
Roasted Red Peppers: Adds sweetness and a bit of smoky flavor to balance the acidity.
Fresh Spinach: Wilted into the sauce, it brightens everything up and sneaks in some greens.
Burrata: The crowning jewel—the creamy center of burrata melts into the warm pasta for a dreamy finish.

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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 often tweak this dish based on what’s on hand or who’s coming over. The beauty is in how versatile the sauce is—you can make it richer, spicier, or even veggie-packed without losing that signature flavor.

Variation: When I want to swap out chicken, grilled shrimp works wonderfully, soaking up the sauce in a whole new way.
Dietary Twist: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb version that’s just as tasty.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a bit more heat.
Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in mushrooms or sun-dried tomato oil instead of olive oil for an extra flavor punch.

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: Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil—this is key for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Cook your rigatoni according to the package instructions but be sure to taste a piece a minute before the time’s up: it should be tender but still have a little bite (al dente). Before draining, save a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon to loosen up the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Seasonings

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your diced chicken and sprinkle over Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sear it without stirring too much for 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden crust, then toss and cook another 2 minutes until almost cooked through. This layering of flavors at this stage really makes the chicken shine.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and sauté just until fragrant—about 2 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, pesto, and light cream, stirring gently to marry all the flavors. Bring it to a gentle simmer and watch how the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Combine with Pasta

Stir in the roasted red peppers and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted. Now, toss in the drained rigatoni, mixing everything so the pasta is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to loosen and bring it all together.

Step 5: Plate and Finish with Burrata

Serve your pasta hot and top each plate with half a ball of burrata. When you cut into it, that creamy inside slowly melts into the warm pasta—utterly irresistible. Don’t rush, take a moment to appreciate this multi-layered flavor experience you just created!

Top Tip

Having made this Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe dozens of times, here are some nuggets of wisdom that really make a difference and help avoid common mistakes.

Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen thick sauce and makes it cling to the pasta beautifully—don’t skip it!
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Sear it just enough to brown and cook through but keep it juicy; drying it out is easy otherwise.
Add Spinach Last: Wilt it gently at the end to keep the vibrant color and avoid turning the dish mushy.
Burrata Magic: Add burrata right before serving so it softens perfectly atop the hot pasta rather than melting away in the pan.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few cracks of black pepper for an extra pop. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts if we’re feeling fancy—it adds a lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of this pasta beautifully. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, also make a fresh, seasonal pairing when you want something green on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this pasta in shallow bowls topped with burrata and a sprinkle of microgreens for an elegant look. You can even roast mini tomatoes on the side and scatter them on top for bursts of color and sweetness that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend separating the burrata if possible and adding it fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This pasta sauce freezes well, but since the texture can change slightly, I usually freeze just the sauce and chicken mixture (without pasta). When ready, thaw and reheat, then freshly cook pasta to toss it in.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream if it needs loosening. Avoid microwaving the burrata; just add fresh burrata after reheating for that creamy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rigatoni is great because it holds the sauce well, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle would work beautifully too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe?

It has just a gentle kick thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less, or even omitting it altogether for a milder dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. For protein, you can also toss in chickpeas or white beans.

What’s the best way to get burrata if I can’t find it locally?

If burrata is hard to find, a fresh mozzarella ball can be a decent substitute, though it won’t have the same creamy interior. Another option is to use ricotta stirred into the pasta just before serving for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes because it’s reliable, flavorful, and feels like a little hug on a plate. It’s a wonderful way to bring fresh ingredients together with simple pantry staples for maximum taste. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find it’s your new favorite comfort food too.