Chicken Penne Pasta

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? Chicken penne pasta is the perfect choice!

This creamy dish combines tender chicken with pasta in a rich, garlic-Parmesan sauce and can be ready in just 30 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to cook.

You’ll love how easy this recipe is to make. With simple ingredients like chicken, pasta, cream, and cheese, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. Plus, each serving has about 647 calories, making it a filling meal for the whole family.

Exact Ingredients List

This chicken penne pasta recipe uses simple ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. The recipe is split into two parts: the chicken and the pasta sauce.

For The Chicken

You’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

These ingredients give the chicken a tasty flavor that goes well with the creamy pasta sauce. The Italian seasoning adds a nice herb taste, while the garlic powder gives it a punch of flavor.

For The Pasta & Sauce

For the pasta and sauce, gather:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to make a rich, creamy sauce. The heavy cream and cheese create a smooth texture, while the garlic and herbs add depth to the flavor.

Instructions

Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente. Drain it, but save some pasta water.

Next, season your chicken with spices and cook it in a skillet with olive oil. It should be golden brown. Set it aside when done.

In the same skillet, melt butter and cook garlic until it smells good. Add cream and broth, then let it simmer and thicken a bit.

Whisk in the cheese to make a smooth sauce. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like.

Put the pasta and chicken back in the skillet. Mix everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water.

Let it all cook together for a few minutes. Then take it off the heat and add fresh herbs on top. Serve it warm with extra cheese. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? You’ve got options! Try swapping penne for farfalle or rigatoni. These pasta shapes hold sauce well and cook similarly to penne.

No chicken? No problem! Use turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a veggie version. For a meatless meal, toss in some sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Cream too rich? Lighten it up with half-and-half or milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Cheese lovers, experiment with different types! Asiago or Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan. For extra gooeyness, try adding some fontina.

Spice it up by adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can brighten the flavors.

Got leftovers? Turn them into a baked pasta dish. Just pour everything into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue cooking in the sauce, so you don’t want it too soft.

For extra flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the sauce.

If you like spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better than pre-grated varieties.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth. Warm it up in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.

For a quick lunch, enjoy this pasta cold as a pasta salad.

Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Make extra sauce and freeze it separately. It’s great for quick meals later.

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.