Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

This creamy chicken penne pasta combines tender chicken and al dente pasta in a rich, aromatic sauce that's ready in just 25 minutes. The Italian herbs and fresh tomatoes balance perfectly with the creamy sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• fresh basil leaves (for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes