Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Parmesan
Imagine a world where a hearty, satisfying meal is just a few steps away – that’s the reality with this irresistible Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Originating from the heart of Italy, penne pasta is the perfect canvas for this culinary masterpiece. The tube-shaped noodles perfectly capture the velvety sauce, ensuring that every bite is a flavor explosion. With the addition of juicy chicken and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this recipe elevates the humble penne to new heights of deliciousness.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta ticks all the boxes for the ultimate comfort food craving. The combination of tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious, creamy sauce creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and irresistible. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility – it can be enjoyed as a weeknight dinner, a special occasion meal, or even as a make-ahead option for busy schedules.
The textural contrast between the firm pasta and the creamy sauce is nothing short of divine, making each bite a delightful experience. Moreover, the accessibility of the ingredients ensures that this recipe can be easily recreated in your own kitchen, no matter your culinary skill level. And the best part? The make-ahead possibilities mean you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal at your fingertips, even on the busiest of days.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta ❓
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, al dente penne, and a rich, creamy sauce creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta dishes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
• Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional baked ziti or lasagna, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 581mg
These Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta provide approximately 35% of your daily protein requirements and 23% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast.
• Added protein: Serve the pasta with grilled or baked chicken breast, or add extra protein by mixing in cooked shrimp or chickpeas.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onions for an added nutrient boost.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the pasta with a crisp white wine or a bold red for a sophisticated dining experience.
• Complement the Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini for a veggie-packed plate.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the pasta alongside a platter of meatballs or Italian sausage, and finish with a tiramisu or cannoli for dessert.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by spooning the Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta into individual ramekins or phyllo cups, then garnishing with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using low-quality ingredients: To achieve the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients like boneless, skinless chicken breasts and full-fat heavy cream. Cheaper substitutes can result in a less-than-satisfactory dish.
• Not sautéing the onions and garlic properly: Properly sautéing the aromatics is crucial for building a strong flavor foundation. Rushing this step can lead to a flat, one-dimensional taste.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta cooking water: The starchy cooking water can help emulsify the sauce and create a silkier texture. Don’t forget to set aside a cup or two before draining the pasta.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Working in batches when sautéing the chicken ensures even browning and prevents the meat from steaming. Crowding the pan can lead to a soggy, unappealing texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the dish up to the point of adding the pasta to the sauce, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked pasta to cool completely, then portion and wrap individual servings in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the dish up to the point of adding the pasta to the sauce, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply bake the frozen or chilled pasta according to the recipe instructions.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, Italian sausage, or even cooked ground beef or turkey. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure the new protein is cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free or lactose-free version of this recipe?
To make a dairy-free or lactose-free version of the Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta, you can replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative like nutritional yeast or a cashew-based Parmesan.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by making a roux. In a small saucepan, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk it into the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is highly versatile, so you can easily add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and bold Italian-inspired flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a dish that will quickly become a new family favorite.
