Few dinners strike the perfect balance between comforting and quick like this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi. Imagine tender pieces of chicken cooked with fragrant garlic and onions, simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that clings to every twist of cavatappi pasta. This dish is a weeknight wonder that delivers rich flavor without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal after a busy day or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe is your go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in just one pot.

Why This Recipe Works

This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi is a shining example of convenience meeting indulgence. Here’s why it works so well:

One-pot cooking: Simplifies cleanup and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Balanced flavors: The acidity of diced tomatoes blends harmoniously with the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan.
Textural contrast: Tender chicken and al dente cavatappi pasta create a satisfying bite.
Herbs and aromatics: Dried oregano and basil infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean flair.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your pantry staples or dietary preferences.

If you love dishes like the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake or crave rich, comforting pasta soups such as the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Soup, this recipe fits right into your dinner rotation.

Ingredient Checklist

Before you get started, here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, tomatoey delight:

8 ounces cavatappi pasta — the corkscrew shape holds sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil — for sautéing and flavor.
1 pound chicken breast, diced — lean protein that cooks quickly.
1 onion, diced — adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced — provides aromatic punch.
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained — forms the saucy base.
1 cup chicken broth — for simmering and layering flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano — classic herbaceous note.
1 teaspoon dried basil — adds a touch of warmth and earthiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt — enhances all flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper — adds subtle heat.
1 cup heavy cream — for a luscious, velvety texture.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — sharp and savory finish.
Fresh basil, for garnish — bright and fresh to balance richness.

Must-Have Equipment

To make your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi effortlessly, you’ll want:

Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid — for one-pot cooking and simmering.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula — to stir and prevent sticking.
Chef’s knife and cutting board — for prepping chicken, onions, and garlic.
Measuring cups and spoons — to keep ingredients precise.

Make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi: A Simple Method

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced chicken breast. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Add the cavatappi pasta directly into the simmering tomato mixture. Stir to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix everything thoroughly. Heat for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

If you need to accommodate allergies or preferences, consider these options:

Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly twist.
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Substitute cavatappi with gluten-free pasta varieties to suit gluten sensitivities.

Troubleshooting Tips

Pasta sticking or burning: Stir frequently and make sure there’s enough liquid covering the pasta.
Chicken drying out: Dice chicken evenly and avoid overcooking by removing it promptly before simmering the pasta.
Too thick sauce: Add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Undercooked pasta: Add a little more broth, cover, and cook a few more minutes until tender.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep leftovers fresh, transfer the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

Ask the Chef

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is ideal because its spiral shape holds onto the sauce nicely, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter dish?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter creaminess, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, canned coconut milk works well, lending a subtle sweetness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal creaminess and texture. However, you can prepare the components in advance and reheat gently. Keep in mind the pasta may absorb sauce and thicken after refrigeration, so add a bit of liquid when reheating.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions to boost nutrition and flavor. Just add them early enough to soften before simmering the pasta.

Serve with These

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake – For an extra cheesy side delight.
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Soup – When you want another creamy pasta option.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette — perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce.
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette — adds a refreshing contrast.

Ready, Set, Cook

This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Cavatappi is a culinary shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With minimal prep and just one pot to wash afterward, it makes weeknight dinners enjoyable and stress-free. The tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy tomato sauce envelop every bite of cavatappi pasta in pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this luscious, satisfying dish.

From the first savory bite to the last creamy swirl, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home with just one pot and simple ingredients. So next time you want a cozy, flavorful dinner without the hassle, remember this recipe and enjoy the delicious simplicity it brings to your table.

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