If you’re looking for an easy one-pot pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and comes together with minimal effort, this Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta is about to become a weeknight favorite. Made with juicy chicken sausage, sweet tomatoes, creamy Boursin cheese, and tender pappardelle pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.

The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with your family. The creamy sauce forms naturally as the Boursin melts into the chicken broth and tomatoes, creating a rich, velvety coating for every bite of pasta.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights, this creamy chicken sausage pasta recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta

One-pan meal with easy cleanup
Ready in about 20 minutes
Rich and creamy without heavy cream
Family-friendly recipe
Perfect for weeknight dinners
Packed with fresh tomato flavor
Easy to customize with different proteins and vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

Package of Pappardelle Pasta Nests

Pappardelle is a wide ribbon pasta that beautifully absorbs the creamy sauce. The nests cook evenly and create a hearty, comforting texture.

12 oz Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage

Unexpected Cheddar chicken sausage adds savory flavor with hints of sharp cheddar. Any fully cooked chicken sausage works well in this recipe.

1 Pound Cherry Tomatoes

Fresh cherry tomatoes burst as they cook, helping create a naturally sweet and flavorful sauce. You can also use diced whole tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.

1 Boursin Cheese (5.2 oz)

This is the secret ingredient that creates the creamy, luxurious sauce. Garlic and herb Boursin adds incredible flavor with almost no effort.

2¼ Cups Chicken Broth

Chicken broth provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta while adding depth and richness.

1 Lemon

Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the cheese.

Olive Oil

Used to lightly brown the chicken sausage and build flavor from the start.

Black Pepper

Adds a simple finishing touch and complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps soften them and release their juices.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Place the pappardelle nests directly into the skillet. Add the whole Boursin cheese to the center of the pan.

Squeeze half of the lemon into the skillet, then place both lemon halves into the pan. Pour in the chicken broth.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to help separate the pasta nests.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently as the Boursin melts and combines with the broth and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the lemon halves. Add fresh lemon zest and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Pasta

Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue absorbing sauce as it sits.
Reserve a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce before serving.
Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Variations

Spinach Tomato Chicken Pasta

Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the final minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Spicy Chicken Sausage Pasta

Use spicy Italian chicken sausage and add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Stir in fresh basil just before serving for a fresh summer flavor.

Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the tomatoes for an earthy, savory twist.

Parmesan Finish

Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for even more richness.

Protein Swap

Substitute the chicken sausage with:

Ground chicken
Italian sausage
Grilled chicken breast
Turkey sausage

What to Serve with Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta

This pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Simple green salad
Bruschetta

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency if needed.

Freezing

While possible, cream-based pasta sauces tend to change texture after freezing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Fettuccine, tagliatelle, linguine, or even penne can work. Cooking times may vary slightly.

What flavor of Boursin cheese works best?

Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin is the most popular option and works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Why is my sauce too thick?

The pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits. Stir in a splash of warm broth before serving to loosen the sauce.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes. Diced canned tomatoes work well when fresh tomatoes aren’t available.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Store portions in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare it a day ahead, but the pasta is at its creamiest when served fresh.