Chicken Penne Pasta: A Family Favorite
When it comes to cozy, weeknight dinners, few dishes rival the charm and comfort of Chicken Penne Pasta. This creamy, savory dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. It’s like giving your taste buds a warm hug! Did you know that this dish is not only scrumptious but also extraordinarily easy to whip up? In just about 30 minutes, you can serve a mouthwatering meal that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables if you choose to add them, making it as wholesome as it is satisfying. If you’ve enjoyed other pasta recipes on our blog, like our delightful Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you’ll adore this comforting twist. Get ready for a dish that’s as quick and simple as it is deliciously rich—you’ll definitely want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!
What is Chicken Penne Pasta?
So, what exactly is Chicken Penne Pasta? Picture this: the heartiness of penne pasta, shaped like tiny tubes, loaded with succulent chicken pieces, and coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce. Sounds tempting, right? The name might make you think it’s just a throw-together dish, but oh, it’s so much more than that! It’s a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that could turn any average day into a feast. In fact, there’s truth to the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish could very well prove it! So why not roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite cooking apron, and dive into this delightful recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Pasta
Chicken Penne Pasta brings together so many wonderful elements that make it tough to resist. First and foremost, the dish’s star is undoubtedly the creamy sauce, which beautifully balances richness with a hint of tang. Making this dish at home not only saves you bucks compared to dining out, but it also allows you to customize it to your palate perfectly—think extra cheese, more veggies, or even spices to add a kick! And let’s not forget the comfort factor—perfectly al dente pasta paired with tender chicken just can’t be beat. You might find it hard to go back to take-out once you try your hand at this simple dish. And if you’re already a fan of creamy Alfredo pasta, we think you’ll find an exciting new favorite in this recipe!
How to Make Chicken Penne Pasta
Quick Overview
This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is the epitome of thriving on simplicity while satisfying those cravings for something tasty. With its blend of tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re prepping for family movie night or entertaining friends, this dish will surely please everyone’s palates!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Penne Pasta
To get started, here’s what you’ll need to create your Chicken Penne Pasta masterpiece:
- Penne Pasta – 8 ounces
- Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) – 2 large, diced
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Fresh Basil (optional) – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir slowly, letting it blend with the juices from the chicken. Add the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Combine everything: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, incorporating it all well. Allow the pasta to simmer gently in the sauce for a minute, soaking up all those delightful flavors.
- Serve: Plate your Chicken Penne Pasta, garnishing with fresh basil if you desire, and get ready to enjoy!
What to Serve Chicken Penne Pasta With
This Chicken Penne Pasta is not only a meal in itself but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes to enhance the overall dining experience. Consider serving it alongside a light, crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing to provide a contrast in textures. Garlic bread fresh from the oven would also elevate the comfort level, perfect for dipping! For a complete meal, why not pour a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to play off the richness of the dish?
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Penne Pasta
Want to make your Chicken Penne Pasta even better? Here are some top tips to elevate your cooking experience:
- Timing is Key: Don’t overcook the pasta; it should retain a little bite to hold up against the sauce.
- Substitutions: Can’t find heavy cream? You can swap in half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter option.
- Boosting Flavor: Consider adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers—which is doubtful, given how delicious it is!—you can store the Chicken Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to save it for longer, consider freezing it in individual servings for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of water or broth, adding a bit of extra cheese for a creamy resurrection of flavors.
So there you have it—Chicken Penne Pasta, an ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to love! We can’t wait for you to try this creamy delight in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Chicken Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir slowly, letting it blend with the juices from the chicken. Add the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, incorporating it all well. Allow the pasta to simmer gently in the sauce for a minute, soaking up all those delightful flavors.
- Plate your Chicken Penne Pasta, garnishing with fresh basil if you desire, and get ready to enjoy!
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