Classic Tomato & Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta: Easy Homemade Favorite

When it comes to feeding a hungry family, nothing hits the spot quite like a massive, steaming bowl of pasta. But you do not need to spend hours simmering a complex ragu to get incredible flavor. This Classic Tomato & Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate easy homemade favorite that comes together in under 40 minutes, yet tastes like it was slow-cooked all Sunday afternoon.

Often, when we crave these rich Italian flavors, we instinctively reach for a takeout menu. However, recreating a premium restaurant menu experience at home is surprisingly simple. By searing juicy chicken and building a quick pan-sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, you lock in freshness that jarred sauces simply cannot match. If you want to make this meal entirely gluten-free, simply substitute the standard penne with a high-quality brown rice or chickpea alternative! And if you are hosting a casual dinner party, consider starting the evening off with some crispy tortilla chips and a warm, crowd-pleasing allrecipes queso dip before moving on to this spectacular main course.

If you love simple and fast dinners, check out our guide to 30-Minute Pasta Dinners or try the ever-popular Budget-Friendly Garlic Pasta.

Dining Out vs. Cooking at Home

A hearty chicken pasta dish at an Italian-American chain restaurant can easily cost upwards of $20 per plate, and that doesn't even include the drink or tip! By sourcing your own ingredients and utilizing pantry staples like crushed tomatoes and dried herbs, you can feed an entire family for the cost of a single restaurant meal.

Check out this menu card comparison to see the massive value of cooking this classic dish in your own kitchen:

For under $4 a serving, you are serving up a masterpiece. For more family-friendly budget meals, explore our Healthy & Yummy Family Dinners.

The Secret is in the Garlic Sizzle

To get the maximum amount of flavor out of this quick sauce, you must toast the minced garlic in the chicken drippings and olive oil for exactly 30 seconds before adding the tomatoes. This blooms the garlic, releasing its aromatic oils directly into the pan without burning it. It is the defining step that separates a mediocre pasta from a spectacular one!

Tomato & Garlic Chicken Penne

⏱ Prep: 15m🍳 Cook: 25m🍽 6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano & basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parmesan

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season and brown the cubed chicken until fully cooked (6-8 mins).
3. Build Sauce: Add minced garlic to the chicken; cook for 30 seconds. Pour in tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Toss & Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until completely coated. Top with fresh parmesan cheese!

Pro Tip: Save 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining! Stirring it into the sauce at the end helps it cling perfectly to the penne.

Gather Around the Table

Whether it is a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday dinner, this Classic Tomato & Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is guaranteed to become a requested favorite in your household. It is simple, affordable, and brings the warmth of Italian cooking straight into your own kitchen!