Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of creamy pasta, and when you add tender chicken strips and a flavorful blend of seasonings, you get a dish that’s sure to please everyone around the table. This Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is the perfect balance of indulgent creaminess, savory chicken, and zesty seasonings. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests, this creamy chicken penne pasta will not disappoint. The creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese perfectly coats the penne, while the addition of garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes gives it depth and flavor. Paired with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad, this dish makes for an ideal meal that’s both filling and delicious.

Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients and directions, and discover how you can make this creamy chicken penne pasta at home!

Ingredients Needed

1. 12 oz Penne Pasta

Penne pasta is the ideal choice for this recipe because of its tubular shape, which holds the creamy sauce beautifully. It’s also hearty enough to stand up to the richness of the sauce. You can substitute penne with any other pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli, but penne works particularly well.

2. 2 Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are the protein base for this creamy pasta dish. Sliced into thin strips, they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a more flavorful cut of meat. Make sure the chicken is seasoned well with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.

3. 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to cook the chicken in the skillet. It helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the chicken tender inside. You can also use vegetable oil or butter, depending on your taste preference, but olive oil adds a touch of extra flavor.

4. 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced

Garlic is a must for this dish. It infuses the cream sauce with an aromatic flavor, making it richer and more savory. Minced garlic will release its oils quickly, giving the sauce a fragrant base. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves to suit your taste.

5. 2 Cups Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is what gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture. It also helps to balance the savory and slightly tangy flavors of the Parmesan. For a lighter alternative, you could use half-and-half, but heavy cream provides the best creamy result.

6. 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is the star of the creamy sauce. As it melts into the heavy cream, it thickens the sauce and infuses it with a savory, nutty flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for its quality and taste, but pre-grated Parmesan will also work.

7. 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme that complements the creamy sauce and chicken. It’s a quick and convenient way to add complex flavor without needing to measure out individual herbs.

8. 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

For a subtle heat, red pepper flakes are added. They provide a bit of spice without overpowering the other flavors in the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave this out. However, the red pepper flakes add an extra layer of complexity to the sauce.

9. Salt and Pepper to Taste

Seasoning with salt and pepper is essential to bring out the flavors of the chicken and sauce. Adjust to your personal taste as needed, remembering that the Parmesan cheese will also add some saltiness to the dish.

10. Fresh Parsley for Garnish

Parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to this dish. It also enhances the visual appeal and gives the creamy pasta a vibrant finish. You can use fresh basil or chives if you prefer a different herb.

Directions to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick and even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is well-coated with seasoning.

Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Let the chicken cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy on the inside with a nice sear on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning the garlic. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Once the garlic is aromatic, pour in the heavy cream. Stir the cream gently as it begins to heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. As the cream warms up, it will start to thicken, which is exactly what you want for a creamy pasta sauce.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 3-4 minutes. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a little pasta water (saved from cooking the penne) to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken strips in the sauce to coat them evenly. Next, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring that the pasta is fully submerged in the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and sauce are well combined.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes, the Parmesan can add enough salt, but a little extra seasoning can help balance the flavors.

Garnish the creamy chicken penne pasta with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

1. Cook the Chicken Right: For tender chicken, avoid overcooking it. Since the chicken is sliced into thin strips, it cooks quickly, so be mindful of timing. Once it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center, it’s ready to go.
2. Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
3. Customize the Seasoning: Italian seasoning is versatile, but feel free to experiment with additional spices. For example, fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can all elevate the flavor of the dish.
4. Add Veggies: You can easily add some vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. They’ll pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and add some extra nutrition.
5. Pair with Sides: This dish is perfect when paired with garlic bread or a light salad like a Caesar salad or mixed greens to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use whole wheat penne instead of regular penne?

Yes, you can definitely use whole wheat penne as a healthier alternative. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well with the creamy sauce. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich or thick, but it will still be creamy. You could also try using a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. Just add it to the sauce at the end and heat it through.

4. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic or mix them in with the chicken for added flavor and texture.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free because it uses regular penne pasta. However, you can substitute the penne with gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients of the gluten-free pasta to ensure it’s free from any unwanted additives.

6. Can I make this pasta in advance?

Yes, you can make this creamy chicken penne pasta ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.

7. Can I freeze the creamy chicken penne pasta?

While you can freeze the dish, pasta dishes with

cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store the pasta and sauce separately. Reheat the pasta and sauce gently, adding a little extra cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water or extra cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue to cook it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up.

9. Can I add more spice to this dish?

If you love spicy food, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

10. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu, tempeh, or a variety of roasted vegetables. You can also try adding a meat substitute like vegetarian chicken or sausage.

11. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?

Parmesan cheese is key to the flavor of the sauce, but you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano for a slightly different taste. Keep in mind that these cheeses can have a stronger flavor than Parmesan.

12. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can make a dairy-free version by using a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Make sure to check that all ingredients used are dairy-free.

13. How long does it take to cook this pasta?

This recipe can be made in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option. The chicken cooks in about 5-6 minutes, and the sauce comes together in another 10 minutes, with the pasta boiling in the background.

14. Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute the penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Choose a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well, and adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

15. What should I serve with creamy chicken penne pasta?

This creamy chicken penne pasta pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, also complements the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is a delightful meal that combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic seasonings, all served with hearty penne pasta. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or making it for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

By following these simple directions and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful. Don’t forget to pair it with some garlic bread or a fresh salad for the perfect meal!

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