Chicken Penne Recipe With Tomato Sauce: Rustic Italian Flavors in Every Bite

This dish brings rustic Italian comfort to your table with tender chicken and al dente penne smothered in rich tomato sauce. A perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, every bite delivers hearty satisfaction.

I developed this recipe to capture the essence of traditional Italian cooking without complicated techniques. The chicken stays juicy, the pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, and the result is a meal that feels special yet approachable.

Ingredients for Chicken Penne Recipe with Tomato Sauce

Pantry staples meet fresh ingredients for this rustic Italian comfort dish.

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The chicken is key here—boneless, skinless breasts stay juicy when cut into even bite-sized pieces. Grab them from Costco for bulk savings or your local butcher for freshest quality. For the pasta, any penne works, but De Cecco or Barilla hold sauce best. Canned tomatoes? San Marzano are worth the extra dollar or two for that sweet, rich flavor.

No fresh basil? Dried at one-third the amount works fine. Skip the heavy cream for a lighter version, or use whole milk if that’s what you’ve got. The Parmesan can be swapped for Pecorino Romano—sharper flavor, same melt. If you’re out of oregano, Italian seasoning blend covers the gap. The red pepper flakes are optional, but they add that little kick (don’t skip if you like heat).

Leftovers keep 4-5 days in the fridge—reheats like a dream. Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating). The fresh basil garnish? Add it right before serving so it stays vibrant.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Penne With Tomato Sauce

Here’s the method I use to build layers of flavor in this rustic dish.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Build the Aromatic Base

Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. This base creates the foundation for the sauce’s depth.

Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the aromatics. Season with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, deep red color. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your chance to ensure the flavors are bold and balanced.

Step 3: Cook the Penne and Combine

While the sauce simmers, cook the 12 oz penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the tomato sauce, along with the seared chicken. Stir in the 0.5 cup heavy cream and let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Basil

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the 0.5 cup freshly grated fresh parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Garnish with the 0.25 cup torn fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. The dish should have a glossy, vibrant red sauce clinging to the penne, with tender chicken pieces and a hint of creaminess in every bite.

Serving Suggestions for This Dish

Plating Techniques

Serve this creation in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. The glossy red sauce clinging to al dente penne looks stunning against white or earthenware dishes. I always use 12-inch plates for individual portions.

Garnish Like a Pro

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves adds freshness and color. For extra flair, drizzle with 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil and finish with red pepper flakes for a pop of color and subtle heat. 🌿

Family-Style Service

For gatherings, transfer everything to a large serving dish and let guests serve themselves. This rustic presentation encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal atmosphere at the table.

Bread Pairing

Offer crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up every last bit of sauce. I recommend Bertolli garlic bread for convenience or homemade rosemary focaccia for a special touch.

Wine Recommendation

A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti Classico complements the tomato sauce beautifully. For white wine lovers, Pinot Grigio from Veneto offers crisp acidity that cuts through the richness. 🍷

Final Touch

Add a side of simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the meal’s richness. The peppery greens provide a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Frequently Asked Questions