A quick, comforting weeknight pasta loaded with tender chicken and a rich, flavorful tomato-cream sauce.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dietary Notes: Nut-free, High-Protein, Kid-Friendly
Ingredients
(Full measurements included here)
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Quick Notes:
Use quality Parmesan for the best flavor. Chicken thighs work well too. Sauce thickens as it cools.
Instructions (Concise Recipe Card Version)
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and cooked through.
- Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Hero Image
(Displays the creamy tomato chicken penne in the skillet, glistening with sauce and herbs.)
Brief Introduction
Some nights call for a dinner that is fast, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. This Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne is exactly that. I created it on a hectic weekday evening when all I had were chicken, pasta, and a half-used can of tomatoes — and it instantly became a go-to weeknight staple. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready in just half an hour.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook penne until al dente. Set aside.
Tip: Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat oil and add seasoned chicken. Cook until lightly golden.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; browning adds flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Add onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic for a brief 30 seconds until fragrant.
If garlic browns too quickly, lower the heat.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in diced tomatoes and broth. Let simmer to concentrate flavor.
If sauce looks thin, simmer longer to reduce.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
If sauce breaks, lower heat and add a splash of broth to bring it back.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add pasta to the skillet and toss well. Finish with parsley and adjust seasoning.
If sauce thickens too much, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
Ingredient Details and Substitutions
Key Ingredients Explained
- Heavy Cream: Creates richness and body. Half-and-half works, but sauce will be thinner.
- Parmesan: Adds sharpness and saltiness. Pre-grated Parmesan melts differently; freshly grated is best.
- Chicken Breast: Lean and cooks quickly. Thighs are juicier and work equally well.
Substitution Options
- No cream: Use half-and-half plus 1 tsp cornstarch.
- No Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes.
- Tomato variation: Use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
Equipment Alternatives
- No large skillet: Use a Dutch oven or a deep saucepan.
- No cheese grater: Finely chop Parmesan with a sharp knife.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add 1 cup spinach during the cream step for extra greens.
- Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Replace chicken with Italian sausage for a heartier version.
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is GF-certified.
- Lower-Fat: Use evaporated milk instead of cream.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or plant-based chick’n.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
Pairing Suggestions
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Soft dinner rolls for extra sauce dipping
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Sauce thickens in the fridge; add broth or a splash of water when reheating.
Freezing
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat on low with a splash of water or broth.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between rounds.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook chicken and tomato base ahead, store for 2 days, and add cream and pasta right before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 580
Protein: 38 g
Carbs: 55 g
Fat: 23 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Allergens: Contains dairy and wheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs add more moisture and flavor; cook 1–2 minutes longer.
Q: My sauce is too thick. How do I fix it?
Add a splash of pasta water or broth until desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
Q: Does it freeze well?
Yes, the sauce freezes nicely for up to 2 months.
Optional Personal Story
I first made this when rushing between work calls and needed a one-pan dinner that felt like real comfort food. Every time I recreate it, I remember that night — a messy kitchen, almost no ingredients, and yet one of the best meals of the month.
Call to Action
If you try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne, let me know how it turned out. Leave a rating, ask questions, or share your version. I love seeing how other home cooks make it their own.
