Roasted Garlic, Tomato, Bell Pepper & Chicken Penne

Overview
If you love a saucy bowl of pasta packed with roasted goodness, this dish is for you. Tender penne is tossed with caramelized bell pepper, juicy tomatoes, and savory roasted garlic — all coated in a creamy, herb-infused tomato sauce that hugs every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this cozy bowl is equal parts comforting, flavorful, and photo-worthy.
This meal is inspired by EveryPlate, which is what we originally used to make this in the past.
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: ~30 minutes
- Cook Time: ~35 minutes
Estimated Calories & Sources
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Pepper | 3 medium (400 g) | ~93 kcal | FatSecret |
| Tomatoes | 6 medium (720 g) | ~130 kcal | FatSecret |
| Garlic (roasted) | 6 cloves (18 g) | ~27 kcal | FatSecret |
| Chicken Breast | 30 oz (850 g) | ~1,470 kcal | FatSecret |
| Penne Pasta (dry) | 18 oz (510 g) | ~1,890 kcal | FatSecret |
| Cream Cheese | 3 oz (85 g) | ~290 kcal | FatSecret |
| Parmesan Cheese | 2.25 oz (64 g) | ~250 kcal | FatSecret |
| Butter | 3 tbsp (42 g) | ~300 kcal | FatSecret |
| Olive Oil | ~3 tbsp (42 g) | ~360 kcal | FatSecret |
| Tomato Paste | 4.5 oz (128 g) | ~135 kcal | FatSecret |
| Veggie Stock | 16.5 oz (500 ml) | ~60 kcal | Estimated |
Total (approx): 5,005 kcal
Per serving (6 servings): ~834 kcal
Ingredients
Produce
- 3 bell peppers (sliced into strips)
- 6 tomatoes (cut into ½-inch wedges)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 6 tbsp Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Pantry
- 18 oz penne pasta
- 4.5 oz tomato paste
- 3 tbsp garlic powder
- 16.5 oz veggie stock (or 3 concentrate packets)
- 3 tbsp butter
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Dairy
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 2.25 oz Parmesan cheese
Protein
- 30 oz chopped chicken breast
Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Roast
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Adjust rack to the middle position.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Wash and dry all produce.
- Slice bell peppers and cut tomatoes into wedges.
- Place garlic cloves on a small piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt & pepper, and wrap into a foil packet.
- Toss peppers and tomatoes on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add garlic foil packet to the sheet.
- Roast for 18–20 minutes, until veggies are tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked (4–6 minutes).
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
- Add penne to boiling water and cook until al dente, 9–11 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Carefully remove garlic from foil and mash with a fork until smooth.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in the now-empty pasta pot over medium heat.
- Add mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Stir constantly until the paste darkens in color (30–60 seconds).
- Add ½ cup reserved pasta water, veggie stock, cream cheese, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Return pasta to the pot along with roasted veggies and butter. Toss to coat.
- Stir in half the cooked chicken. Add more pasta water if needed for a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Serve
- Divide pasta into bowls.
- Top with remaining chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap the chicken for steak or keep it veggie-only for a different spin.
- Add chili flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Homemade Italian seasoning gives it an extra fresh flavor boost!
🧪 Poultry Safety Tip: Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.