Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne 🍝❤️
Simple, Creamy, and Full of Comfort
Some nights just call for a warm bowl of creamy pasta—and this Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne always delivers. Juicy strips of seasoned chicken are nestled into a rich tomato cream sauce, then swirled with Parmesan and tossed with penne for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, date night in, or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks every box: fast, easy, and deeply satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
You really can’t go wrong with creamy tomato pasta, but this version takes it a step further. It’s loaded with flavor from garlic, herbs, and paprika, and the creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta and chicken. Here’s why it’s a repeat in my kitchen:
- Made in one pan (besides the pasta!)
- The creamy tomato-Parmesan combo is irresistible
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Easily customizable with spinach, mushrooms, or spicy chili flakes
- Feels fancy, but is totally weeknight-friendly
Ingredients
- 250g penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken strips and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Simmer for 3 minutes to let the flavors develop.
4. Add the Cream & Chicken
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes to coat.
5. Finish the Dish
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until everything is well combined and creamy.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy that silky, savory goodness.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken—remove once golden so it stays juicy when reheated in the sauce.
- Heavy cream gives the best richness, but you can sub half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Want heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato base.
- This recipe works great with gluten-free penne or even short pasta like rotini or rigatoni.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Round out this meal with appetizers or sides that complement the creamy tomato flavor:
- Pair with Beer Cheese Dip and some crusty bread for a cheesy starter.
- Need a crowd-pleaser for game day? Try Cheesy Chicken Sliders alongside.
- Add a fresh side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
- For a similar cozy vibe, check out this Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce.
- Finish strong with the Best Peanut Butter Brownies for dessert—because comfort food should end with chocolate.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream, but best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- Beer Cheese Dip
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies
- Chicken Enchiladas
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne is one of those easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that delivers comfort in every forkful. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply savory with just the right touch of tomato, it’s bound to become a weeknight staple.
Give it a try, tag @ChefManiac when you do, and don’t forget to bring your appetite. 🍅🍝🔥
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