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Baked Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes (One-Skillet Dinner in 45 Minutes)
If you’ve been craving something cozy, hearty, and bursting with real flavor—but don’t want to dirty a million dishes—this baked chicken pasta with cherry tomatoes is about to become your go-to dinner. It’s got juicy seasoned chicken breasts, a rich tomato sauce with both cherry and canned tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and melty Parmesan all baked together with tender fusilli pasta. The best part? It all happens in one skillet.
This baked chicken pasta with cherry tomatoes checks all the boxes: quick, budget-friendly, family-approved, and incredibly comforting. You can smell the garlic and thyme as it cooks, and it tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left.
Why This Recipe Is the Only One You’ll Ever Need
- 🍅 One Skillet Wonder – Easy cleanup and everything cooks together.
- 🧄 Deep Flavor Fast – Garlic, herbs, and a tomato base make this taste like it’s been simmering all day.
- 🧀 Melty Cheese Finish – Parmesan gives that savory, golden top we love.
- ⏱️ Weeknight Friendly – Ready in about an hour with simple prep.
- 🥰 Family Favorite – Even picky eaters dig into this one without hesitation.
Ingredients for Classic Comfort
This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient earns its place. You’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – hearty and protein-packed
- Olive oil – for that golden sear
- Garlic – use big cloves for a punch of flavor
- Kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning – the foundation of seasoning
- Fresh thyme sprigs – optional but gives beautiful aroma
- Chicken broth with white wine – builds a rich base for the sauce
- Canned peeled tomatoes – soft and saucy
- Cherry tomatoes – keep them whole for juicy bursts
- Fusilli pasta – spirals hold sauce perfectly
- Shredded Parmesan cheese – melty, nutty, and essential
How to Make Baked Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Coat the chicken breasts with oil, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Place them in a hot cast iron skillet to get a golden sear—about 4 minutes per side.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the chicken is lightly browned, add your chopped garlic right into the skillet. Let it sizzle until golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and canned peeled tomatoes. Stir gently to combine, then toss in the cherry tomatoes and top with a few more thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling—about 20–25 minutes.
While that bakes, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese
Remove skillet from the oven and gently fold in the cooked fusilli pasta. Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded Parmesan over the top.
Step 6: Final Bake for Melty Goodness
Pop the skillet back into the oven just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The sauce thickens, the flavors marry, and everything comes together beautifully.
Step 7: Stir, Serve & Enjoy
Give everything a gentle stir and get ready to serve. The chicken is tender, the pasta is coated in savory tomato sauce, and that cheesy top? Absolute perfection.
Step 8: The Final Look
This is what comfort food looks like: golden, saucy, cheesy, and made with love.
Pro Tips from an Old Country Kitchen
- Don’t skip the sear—those golden bits on the chicken deepen the flavor of the whole dish.
- You can swap fusilli for rotini or penne if that’s what you’ve got.
- Want a creamier version? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking the final time.
- Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a fresh pop right before serving.
- Make ahead tip: This reheats beautifully the next day!
Also, here’s a handy USDA guide to safe chicken cooking temperatures.
Answering Your Questions
What can I do with chicken and cherry tomatoes?
This recipe is proof that chicken and cherry tomatoes are magic together. You can roast them, make a quick pasta, or toss them in a skillet like this dish for a deeply flavorful dinner.
Can I bake pasta with raw chicken?
You can, but it’s better to sear the chicken first like we do here. That way you get more flavor and avoid any risk of uneven cooking.
How do I keep chicken moist when baking?
Start with a sear to lock in juices, bake in a sauce like this one, and don’t overcook. The broth and tomatoes keep everything juicy and tender.
Can I use canned tomatoes in pasta sauce?
Absolutely. Canned peeled tomatoes break down beautifully in sauces and give you that deep, cooked-all-day flavor in much less time.
This baked chicken pasta with cherry tomatoes is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just treating yourself—you’ll be glad you made it. 💕
Let me know in the comments if you try this one, or if you’ve got a twist you love adding. And don’t forget to save it for next time!
