Description
Creamy Penne Pasta with Seared Chicken and Tomatoes is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sweet roasted tomatoes, and penne pasta coated in a velvety cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-style meal you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients
- penne pasta
- chicken breast or thighs
- cherry tomatoes, halved
- garlic, minced
- olive oil
- heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- butter
- fresh basil (optional)
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes; cook until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in heavy cream; simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan until sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Return chicken to the pan.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- For more veggies, add spinach or peas.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
- If you prefer a different pasta, fusilli, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well.
- To make ahead, prepare the components and combine when ready to serve.
- Freezing is not recommended, as cream sauces may separate upon thawing.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano work best for herbs.
- If you love mushrooms, sauté them with garlic for added flavor.
- To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Asiago or Pecorino Romano work well as alternatives to Parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have cream, milk will work, but the sauce will be thinner.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer it uncovered or add more cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg