Creamy Penne with Chicken, Ham and Fresh Tomatoes
A hearty pasta dish combining tender chicken strips and smoky ham in a rich cream sauce with fresh vegetables. The colorful mix of green peppers, onions, and Roma tomatoes creates an appealing contrast against the creamy penne base. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet quick to prepare. The addition of both chicken and ham makes this particularly filling, while fresh Parmesan adds a sharp finish to balance the cream.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked dried penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Land O Lakes Butter
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast strips
- 1 small green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 small onion, sliced
- ½ cup Land O Lakes Heavy Whipping Cream
- ¼ pound thick sliced deli ham or smoked turkey, cut into strips
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions
- 2
Drain pasta and keep warm
- 3
Melt butter in 12-inch skillet until sizzling
- 4
Add chicken strips to skillet
- 5
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink
- 6
Add green pepper and onion to skillet
- 7
Cover and continue cooking 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are crisply tender
- 8
Add cooked pasta, whipping cream and ham
- 9
Cover and continue cooking 3-5 minutes or until heated through
- 10
Stir in cheese, tomatoes, salt and pepper
Tips
Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown properly.
Add tomatoes last to preserve their texture and prevent them from breaking down in the cream sauce.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can prepare chicken and vegetables 1 day ahead, store refrigerated
Serve immediately while hot with additional Parmesan if desired
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken to avoid dryness
Add tomatoes at the end to prevent them from breaking down
Keep pasta warm to prevent clumping when combining
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any tube or short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle works well as they hold the cream sauce effectively.
What if I don't have Roma tomatoes?
Regular tomatoes work fine, though they may be slightly more watery. Cherry tomatoes halved also make a good substitute.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.