Sometimes, you want comfort food that is rich, flavorful, and filling- but without that post-dinner guilt. This creamy chicken pasta is it! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky sauce that feels indulgent yet stays under 500 calories per serving and packed with protein.

What makes this recipe different? Evaporated milk replaces heavy cream while tomato paste adds depth, richness, and a slight tang. Together, they create a sauce that clings beautifully to pasta and chicken, making every bite decadent but balanced.

MAKE THIS RECIPE BECAUSE…

Most creamy chicken pasta recipes rely on heavy cream, loads of butter, or cheese to achieve richness. But this recipe works because:

Creamy without the cream: Evaporated milk gives you the same silky texture as heavy cream but with less fat.
Protein-packed: 300 g of chicken breast ensures the dish is filling and keeps you satisfied.
Balanced flavor: Tomato paste, garlic, onion, and herbs layer flavor naturally.
Weeknight-friendly: Quick, easy, and versatile enough to throw in extra vegetables or adjust seasonings to your mood.

It’s creamy, comforting, and balanced- all the things you want in a pasta dinner.

Ingredients

For 2 servings, here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta & Chicken

150 g dry pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti). I use whatever I have on hand.
300 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt

Creamy Tomato Sauce

200 ml evaporated milk
2 tbsp tomato paste (~33 g)
120 ml reserved pasta water
1 small onion, finely chopped (~70 g)
3 cloves garlic, minced (~9 g)
½ tsp dried thyme
Paprika
Salt to taste
Chili Flakes or powder

Optional: Spinach, mushrooms or broccoli mixed in… because veggies are good for you.

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

The foundation of any good pasta dish is perfectly cooked pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente- firm to the bite but not hard.

Reserve 100-120 ml of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta later. Don’t skip this step; it’s a simple trick that elevates the final dish.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, it’s time to cook the chicken. Slice the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the chicken space to sear instead of steam. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. This keeps it juicy and ready to be tossed into the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan (don’t wash it!), sauté your onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Then add garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add tomato paste to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. This step deepens its flavor and removes any raw taste.

Step 4: Making the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Now for the magic:

Pour in evaporated milk and chicken stock (or reserved pasta water).
Add thyme, salt, paprika, more chili flakes, season as needed
Simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the pasta. Toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy tomato sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling perfectly to both the pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Finishing Touch

Before serving, consider adding some veggies. Love adding Spinach to mine. Serve immediately for the perfect warm, comforting pasta dinner. There you have it, the best creamy chicken pasta you ever had.

Tips to Make This Pasta Next-Level

Simmer gently: High heat can curdle evaporated milk.
Reserve pasta water: Your secret weapon for glossy, clingy sauce.
Slice chicken evenly: Ensures quick, uniform cooking.
Add vegetables at the end: Keeps them vibrant and slightly crisp.
Taste and adjust seasoning gradually: Layering flavor is key.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Extra Creamy: Stir in 1 tbsp Greek yogurt off heat.
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, kale, spinach, or broccoli.
Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Fresh & Bright: Lemon zest and juice finish the dish beautifully.

These small tweaks allow you to make this dish your own, depending on the season or your mood.

How to Store and Reheat

This pasta is best eaten fresh, but it keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge:

Store in an airtight container.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.