Penne Pasta with Chicken: A Creamy, Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, penne pasta with chicken is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta. This dish is rich, hearty, and so easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Whether you’re craving something savory and satisfying, or simply looking for a simple yet impressive meal, penne pasta with chicken will surely hit the spot.

The Basics of Penne Pasta with Chicken

This dish brings together a few simple ingredients, yet it delivers a delicious meal every time. The key components include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, penne pasta, and a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. With a hint of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes, you can elevate the flavor profile to new heights. This dish also comes together in a short amount of time, making it a go-to option for busy nights when you need something filling and delicious.

Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the essential ingredients that make penne pasta with chicken a standout meal.

Ingredients for Penne Pasta with Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and serving. Chicken breasts are a lean protein and cook quickly, making them perfect for this recipe.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Used to cook the chicken, giving it a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• 1 tsp salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavor.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds just the right amount of seasoning to the chicken.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – Infuses the chicken with a mild garlic flavor.
• ½ tsp paprika – This adds a slight smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken.

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta – The penne pasta is the perfect shape for holding the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is filled with flavor. You can also substitute with other pasta shapes if preferred.
• 1 tbsp butter – Used to sauté garlic and bring richness to the dish.
• 2 garlic cloves (minced) – Garlic is a staple in many pasta dishes, adding depth and a fragrant aroma.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and a velvety texture to the dish.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Enhances the sauce with savory flavors and helps create a balanced consistency.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor and thickens the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that pairs beautifully with pasta dishes.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are the perfect way to add a spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Adjust these seasonings to your personal preference.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – For garnish, this adds a fresh and vibrant touch to your dish.

How to Make Penne Pasta with Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

The first step in making this penne pasta with chicken is to cook the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring the pieces are well-coated with the seasoning.

Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Cook the Pasta:

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

4. Combine Everything:

Once the creamy sauce is ready, add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve:

Finally, plate the penne pasta with chicken and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish with your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love Penne Pasta with Chicken

A Quick and Easy Meal:

This penne pasta with chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something delicious.

A Perfectly Balanced Meal:

This dish strikes the perfect balance between protein, carbs, and rich creamy flavors. The chicken provides lean protein, while the penne pasta delivers a satisfying texture. The creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Versatile and Customizable:

You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also swap the penne pasta for another pasta shape or opt for a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta.

Family-Friendly Comfort Food:

Penne pasta with chicken is a dish that will please both kids and adults alike. The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a perfect comfort food that everyone can enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the penne pasta with chicken ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, heat the chicken and pasta in the skillet and add the sauce.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne pasta is recommended, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work wonderfully in this recipe.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! To make this penne pasta with chicken dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream or almond milk) and the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a little extra chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Conclusion

Penne pasta with chicken is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that brings together the best of comfort food in a creamy, flavorful package. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home in no time. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the perfect combination of chicken, penne pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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