How to Make a 15-Minute Creamy Chicken and Tomato Pasta Skillet

A creamy chicken and tomato pasta skillet combines tender chicken breast, sweet bell peppers, and al dente pasta in a rich tomato cream sauce finished with melted cheese. Designed for busy evenings, this warm comfort dish comes together in just 15 minutes using simple kitchen staples.

Why This 15-Minute Skillet is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

After a demanding day, spending an hour over a hot stove is rarely appealing. Yet, relying on processed convenience meals often sacrifices both flavor and nutrition. A single-skillet pasta dish solves this dilemma by bringing fresh ingredients together in a fraction of the time.

Searing diced chicken breast quickly seals in moisture while creating a flavorful base in the pan. Combining tomato paste and strained tomatoes with heavy cream and sour cream yields a silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta smoothly. Melted cheese sprinkled over the top adds a comforting stretch that makes every bite thoroughly satisfying.

Ingredients and Prep Breakdown

Core Ingredients

• Pasta: 250 grams penne, fusilli, or your choice of short pasta.
• Chicken: 400 grams chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized strips.
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium red or yellow bell pepper, diced.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Strained Tomatoes: 400 ml tomato puree or passata.
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon concentrated tomato paste.
• Heavy Cream: 200 ml heavy whipping cream.
• Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese.
• Herbs & Seasoning: 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme), salt, and black pepper to taste.
• Cheese: 100 grams shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1.Boil the Pasta:Cook pasta until firm to the bite.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 250 grams of pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water for the sauce.

2.Sauté Chicken, Onions, and Peppers:Sear over medium-high heat.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken strips, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

3.Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce:Combine tomato paste, cream, and herbs.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 400 ml of strained tomatoes, 200 ml of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of sour cream. Add dried herbs, salt, and pepper, letting the sauce simmer gently for 3 minutes until thickened.

4.Toss Pasta and Melt Cheese:Melt cheese into the hot pasta.

Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece in sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes until melted, and serve immediately.

Grocery Delivery and Convenience Options

Preparing a hot, home-cooked meal is seamless when ingredients are delivered straight to your door. Pantry staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, spices, and fresh poultry can be ordered through online grocery delivery services and delivered in under two hours.

When time is exceptionally tight or energy is low, local restaurant delivery services offer a wide range of freshly prepared pasta skillets and hot chicken dishes. Ordering ready-to-eat comfort food brings restaurant quality straight to your dining table without any preparation or dishwashing required.

Key Takeaways

• Fast 15-Minute Meal: Quick assembly makes it an ideal option for weeknight dinners.
• Silky Sauce Base: Blending heavy cream and sour cream with tomato paste prevents sauce separation.
• High Protein Balance: Tender chicken breast provides a hearty, filling protein source.
• Customizable Vegetables: Easily adjust by adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini based on preference.

Frequently Asked Questions