Go Back
- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving Gather these ingredients first. The penne pasta serves as the base and holds the creamy sauce well. Chicken breast gives protein and heartiness. Heavy cream adds richness while Parmesan cheese brings a savory depth. Next, olive oil, garlic, and onion build the flavor foundation. Italian seasoning gives a touch of classic Italian taste. Do not forget the sea salt and black pepper to taste. Lastly, fresh basil leaves offer a fragrant touch. Extra Parmesan cheese can enhance the dish's look and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, we’ll prepare the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Sprinkle it with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown and cook all the way through. Once finished, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce. In the same skillet, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. The garlic will smell wonderful. Next, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a light simmer. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Now, let’s combine everything. Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a bit more salt or pepper. Serve the creamy chicken penne in bowls. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! Achieving al dente pasta To get perfect penne, boil water with salt. Add the pasta and cook it for 10-12 minutes. Check it a minute early. You want it firm but not hard. Drain it well to avoid sogginess. Creaminess tips for the sauce For a rich sauce, use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese in slowly so it melts well. This makes the sauce smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. Additional seasonings or herbs to try You can add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Try adding lemon zest for a fresh taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite spices. Suggested cheese variations While Parmesan is great, you can mix in mozzarella for extra stretch. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. For a stronger flavor, consider using Pecorino Romano. Mixing cheeses gives depth to your dish. Prepping ingredients in advance Chop your garlic and onion ahead of time. Dice the chicken and store it in the fridge. This makes cooking faster and easier when you're ready to whip up the dish. Using rotisserie chicken For a quick meal, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. This saves time and adds great flavor. Plus, it makes this dish even easier to prepare! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste. Cooking Chicken Perfectly: Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the skillet. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown color. Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. It helps maintain the flavor while adjusting texture. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the chicken and pasta when ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of Creamy Chicken Penne by adding veggies. Think about mixing in fresh spinach or colorful bell peppers. Spinach wilts nicely in the creamy sauce. Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. You can easily make it a one-pan dish. Just throw your veggies in with the onions and garlic. Sauté until soft. Then add the chicken and continue with the sauce. This way, you cut down on dishes and keep all the flavors in one place. If you want a twist on this dish, try changing the protein. Shrimp makes a great swap for chicken. It cooks fast and adds a seafood touch. Tofu is a good choice for a veggie option. Just cube it and sauté until golden. You can also use leftover meats like rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds extra flavor. Just toss your cooked meat into the sauce instead of fresh chicken. For those needing gluten-free options, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands make it tasty and just as satisfying. If you want a lighter version, consider using lighter cream or dairy-free milk. Coconut milk works well for a unique flavor. You can also find non-dairy creamers that fit your needs. These swaps let you enjoy the dish while sticking to your diet. To keep your Creamy Chicken Penne fresh, follow these simple steps. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation in the container. Next, use an airtight container to store your leftovers. Glass containers work great and do not absorb smells. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they seal tightly. Store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat Creamy Chicken Penne is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir it gently until heated through. This method helps maintain the dish's creamy texture and flavor. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze Creamy Chicken Penne! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into airtight containers. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. For defrosting, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat following the methods above. If you notice the sauce is thick, add a little broth when reheating. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious! Creamy Chicken Penne lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can prep Creamy Chicken Penne in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. This keeps them fresh. When you are ready to serve, combine them with the sauce. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half or full-fat Greek yogurt. You can also mix milk with butter. These options will keep the dish creamy. This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and divide it into portions. Store each portion in a container. When ready to eat, just heat it up. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps for making creamy chicken penne. From cooking the perfect pasta to creating a rich sauce, I shared tips to enhance flavor and texture. You can adapt the recipe with vegetables or different proteins. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. Enjoy this dish as a weeknight meal or a comforting treat. Now, get cooking and share your delicious results!

Creamy Chicken Penne Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and penne pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, fill with water and generously salt it. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces, seasoning them with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its delightful aroma.
  • Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a light simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Italian seasoning and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce combines into a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently, ensuring the pasta is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • Serve the creamy chicken penne Delight in individual pasta bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.

Notes

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant touch and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for a glossy finish. Place a sprig of fresh basil on each dish to add a vibrant pop of color.
Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta