Weeknight dinners just got easier! This One-Pan Creamy Tomato Chicken and Penne Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Forget the mountain of dishes – everything cooks together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich and vibrant tomato sauce, perfectly coating each bite of penne pasta. The creamy texture adds a touch of indulgence without the extra effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Imagine a flavorful pasta dish bursting with juicy chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce – all ready in under half an hour! This simple yet elegant recipe requires minimal ingredients and even less cleanup. Ready to create this delicious and effortless meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Large pot or pan
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 6 cloves
- Crushed tomatoes: 32 ounces (1 can)
- Tomato sauce: 32 ounces (1 can)
- Italian seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper: 2 teaspoons
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 32 ounces
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 2.5 pounds
- Dry penne pasta: 16 ounces
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Sauce and Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or pan. Sauté 6 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add 32 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 32 ounces of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of black pepper (and red pepper flakes if desired). Stir well.
- Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity, and 32 ounces of water. Bring to a light simmer.
- Add 2.5 pounds of sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cover and let it poach in the sauce for about 15 minutes.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta
- Add 16 ounces of dry penne pasta. Stir, cover, and simmer on low for 20 minutes.
Step 3. Create the Creamy Sauce
- After 20 minutes, stir in 8 ounces of cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- This recipe is a quick and easy one-dish meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Adding a teaspoon of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately in the refrigerator. Add the chicken and pasta just before cooking.
3. What can I do if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor. Alternatively, use milk or cream cheese for a less rich sauce.
This One-Pan Creamy Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta is the perfect solution for a quick, delicious, and stress-free weeknight dinner. Enjoy the ease of cleanup and the satisfying taste of this comforting meal. Now go ahead and impress your family with this simple yet elegant recipe!