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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and cheesy goodness, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 oz Penne Pasta About 3 cups
  • 2 Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Butter (for sautéing)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Aromatics and Seasoning
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped)
  • To taste Salt and Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)
Garnish
  • Fresh Parsley (chopped) For garnish
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)

Method
 

Cooking the Penne
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Preparing the Sauce
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the cream and cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  2. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Combining and Serving
  1. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat all the pasta in the sauce.
  2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Plate the creamy penne, garnishing with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Substitutions: Swap chicken for shrimp or use vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian option. Ensure you have everything prepared before starting to cook to reduce cooking time. Avoid letting the sauce boil too much after adding the cream to prevent curdling.