Introduction
Looking for an easy, comforting dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen? This Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne is the perfect weeknight solution.
Tender, golden pieces of seasoned chicken are combined with al dente penne pasta and coated in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce made with garlic, butter, Parmesan, and tomato paste.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy chicken pasta is ideal for busy evenings when you want a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Yield | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Italian-Inspired |
| Course | Dinner / Main Course |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy tomato chicken pasta combines everything you want in a comforting dinner: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a flavorful tomato base, and a smooth Parmesan cream sauce.
The sauce clings beautifully to every piece of penne, creating a rich and satisfying bite from beginning to end.
It is also a practical recipe for busy weeknights because the ingredients are simple, the preparation is straightforward, and most of the cooking happens in one skillet.
Ingredients
🍝 For the Pasta and Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Penne Pasta | 12 oz (340 g) | Cooked al dente |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 lb (450 g) | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin preferred |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon | For seasoning |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
🍅 For the Creamy Tomato Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Finely minced |
| Tomato Paste | 3 tablespoons | For concentrated tomato flavor |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup (240 ml) | Preferably at room temperature |
| Parmesan Cheese | ½ cup (50 g) | Freshly grated |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped |
| Reserved Pasta Water | Up to ½ cup | Use as needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
🍝 Step 1: Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
🍗 Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden on the outside and fully cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
🧄 Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.
Add the butter and allow it to melt.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps develop a deeper, richer flavor.
🥛 Step 4: Add the Cream
Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet while stirring continuously.
Mix until the tomato paste and cream form a smooth, even sauce.
Allow the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 3 minutes.
Avoid a rapid boil, as excessive heat can affect the texture of a cream-based sauce.
🧀 Step 5: Add the Parmesan
Add the freshly grated Parmesan to the warm sauce.
Stir gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
🍝 Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained penne and gently toss everything together.
Continue stirring until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy tomato sauce.
Add additional pasta water a little at a time if needed.
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper.
🌿 Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm, creamy, and glossy.
Best Tips
For the smoothest sauce, allow the heavy cream to come closer to room temperature before adding it to the hot skillet.
Never rinse the pasta after draining. The natural starch on the pasta helps the creamy sauce cling to the penne.
Freshly grated Parmesan generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Keep the sauce at a gentle temperature after adding the cream and cheese. A vigorous boil can cause the sauce to separate.
For beautifully browned chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Always reserve some pasta water. A few tablespoons can make a significant difference when adjusting the consistency of the sauce.
Best Ingredient Options
🍝 Pasta
Penne is an excellent choice because its tubular shape holds the creamy tomato sauce.
Rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or farfalle can also be used.
🍗 Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works particularly well, but boneless chicken thighs can provide an even richer and more tender result.
🥛 Cream
Heavy cream creates the richest and creamiest sauce.
For a lighter texture, you can use half-and-half, although the finished sauce will be less rich.
🧀 Cheese
Parmesan gives the sauce a salty, nutty flavor.
You can also combine Parmesan with a small amount of Romano or Asiago for additional depth.
Recipe Variations
🌶️ Spicy Tomato Chicken Penne
Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter and garlic before adding the tomato paste.
Increase the amount if you prefer a stronger kick.
🥬 Spinach Chicken Penne
Add approximately 2 cups of fresh baby spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
Stir until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce.
🍄 Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before preparing the sauce.
The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with tomato, garlic, chicken, and Parmesan.
🫑 Vegetable Chicken Penne
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or other favorite vegetables for extra texture and variety.
🍅 Extra-Tomato Version
For a stronger tomato flavor, add a few tablespoons of finely chopped drained tomatoes along with the tomato paste.
What to Serve With
A crisp green salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette is an excellent side dish.
The fresh acidity of the dressing provides a pleasant contrast to the rich and creamy pasta sauce.
Warm garlic bread is another delicious option and is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
You can also serve the pasta with roasted broccoli, green beans, zucchini, or another simple vegetable side.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The chicken can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The pasta can also be prepared ahead of time, although freshly cooked pasta provides the best texture.
For the best results, prepare the creamy tomato sauce shortly before serving.
If preparing the entire dish ahead, keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool appropriately before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store the creamy chicken penne in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The sauce may become thicker after refrigeration because the pasta continues absorbing moisture.
Reheating
Place a serving in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a small splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Stir gently while reheating until the pasta is thoroughly warmed.
Avoid very high heat, as it can cause the creamy sauce to separate.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the finished dish.
Cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing and thawing, sometimes becoming slightly grainy or separated.
For the best quality, prepare the recipe fresh and store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Boiling the Cream Sauce Too Aggressively
A rapid boil after adding cream and Parmesan can cause the sauce to separate.
Keep the heat gentle and stir regularly.
❌ Overcooking the Pasta
Cook the penne until al dente.
Overcooked pasta can become soft and mushy once it is combined with the hot sauce.
❌ Forgetting the Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water is useful for adjusting the sauce and helping it coat the pasta more evenly.
❌ Adding Too Much Salt
Parmesan already contributes saltiness to the dish.
Taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
❌ Overcrowding the Chicken
Too many chicken pieces in the skillet at once can cause them to steam instead of brown.
Give the pieces enough room to develop a golden exterior.
❌ Adding Too Much Liquid
Add reserved pasta water gradually.
It is much easier to loosen a thick sauce than to correct a sauce that has become excessively thin.
Nutrition Estimate
These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Approx. Per Serving |
| Calories | 700 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 68 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, farfalle, and other short pasta shapes work beautifully with this sauce.
Can I use cooked chicken?
Yes. Use approximately 1 pound of cooked chicken and add it to the sauce near the end of cooking just long enough to heat it through.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few additional minutes, or add a little more freshly grated Parmesan.
How can I make the sauce thinner?
Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli are all excellent additions.
Why did my sauce become grainy?
Excessive heat can affect a cream-and-cheese sauce. Keep the temperature moderate and add freshly grated Parmesan gradually while stirring.
Can I make this recipe for a family dinner?
Yes. The recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings and works well as an easy family dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne is everything you want in a satisfying weeknight pasta dinner: tender golden chicken, perfectly cooked penne, flavorful tomato, garlic, rich cream, and plenty of Parmesan.
The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent option when you want something homemade, comforting, and full of flavor without complicated preparation.
Serve it hot with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for an easy restaurant-style dinner at home.