Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Comfort Meal (Print Version)
Enjoy Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne for Dinner tonight! This hearty pasta dish comes together easily, offering rich flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb penne pasta
02 -
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
03 -
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
04 -
1 cup chicken broth
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 yellow onion, diced
06 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
08 -
1/4 cup tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
→ Dairy & Finishing Touches
09 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
11 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
→ Pantry Staples
12 -
2 tbsp olive oil
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your penne pasta cooking according to package directions. This is where I always remind myself to salt the water generously—it makes all the difference! While that's bubbling away, heat a good swirl of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear until they're golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. I love how the kitchen starts smelling savory already at this point. Don't overcrowd the pan; you want a nice sear, not a steam. Once done, remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
02 -
In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in your diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Now, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic here; that's a mistake I've made before, and it can make the whole dish bitter. The aroma filling the kitchen right now? That's the start of something truly delicious, the foundation for our Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne.
03 -
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, another pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time is key; it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully and deepens the tomato taste. This is where the kitchen starts smelling absolutely divine, like a proper Italian nonna's house! I sometimes sneak a little taste here to adjust seasonings.
04 -
Once your sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, it’s time for the magic ingredient: the heavy cream! Pour it in and stir gently until it's fully incorporated into the tomato sauce. The sauce will transform, becoming wonderfully pink and velvety. Return your cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and let them warm through in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes. This step makes sure every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious sauce. I always get a little giddy seeing the sauce change color, it's so satisfying.
05 -
By now, your penne pasta should be perfectly al dente. Drain it well and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy tomato chicken sauce. Toss everything together until every single piece of penne is coated in that glorious, rich sauce. This is my favorite part; seeing it all come together. Sometimes I add a splash of the pasta cooking water if the sauce seems a little too thick, it helps it cling better. Don't be afraid to get in there with tongs and really mix it up!
06 -
Finally, stir in half of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it another good toss. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. The fresh basil really brightens the whole dish up and adds a lovely fragrant finish. This Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne for Dinner is best enjoyed warm, right off the stove, perhaps with a glass of something nice. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
03 -
Try adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion for a little extra kick.
04 -
Serve with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete, comforting meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
large pot for pasta
03 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
Protein: 40 g