![To make this dish shine, gather these main ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced These ingredients form the base of your creamy chicken penne. The penne provides a great shape for the sauce, while the chicken adds protein. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken, and garlic gives flavor. Next, you’ll need some key pantry items: - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Chicken broth adds depth, while Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty taste. These items are essential for a delightful sauce. To finish, use these seasonings and garnishes: - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Dried Italian seasoning adds nice herbal notes. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves on top give a pop of color and taste. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe link. - Preparing the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Dicing the chicken: Take 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to dice the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. - Chopping garlic: Grab 3 cloves of garlic. Peel and mince them finely. Fresh garlic adds a great flavor to the dish. - Heating the olive oil: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat. This oil adds richness and helps cook the chicken perfectly. - Browning the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. - Sautéing the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt. - Adding broth and cream: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates a rich base for your sauce. - Incorporating cheese and seasonings: Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. After these steps, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together. This simple process brings all the flavors together for a delightful meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To cook perfect penne, aim for al dente pasta. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Follow the package time closely. Start testing a minute or two before the time is up. This way, you get the right texture. Timing is key when mixing pasta with sauce. Drain the penne just before you finish your sauce. This allows you to toss the pasta in the sauce right away. This keeps the pasta warm and helps it soak up the flavors. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, check for an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer helps with this. Cut into a piece to check if it’s no longer pink. This way, you can be sure it’s safe to eat. If you want alternatives, try shrimp or tofu. Both cook quickly and offer new flavors. Shrimp adds a sweet taste while tofu absorbs the sauce well. Adjusting the cream helps you control the sauce's thickness. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This makes it creamier without losing flavor. To enhance flavor, consider adding spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. For a unique twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or lemon zest. They can elevate the taste of your creamy chicken penne. For the complete dish, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta for fun! Here are two great choices: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free penne if you need to avoid gluten. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that cook just like regular pasta. - Substituting with whole wheat penne: Whole wheat penne adds fiber and a nutty taste. It makes the dish healthier while keeping it satisfying. Don't be afraid to mix things up! Here are some ideas: - Using different proteins: You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options give a different flavor and texture. Shrimp cooks fast, while tofu is great for a vegetarian choice. - Incorporating vegetables: Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition. Spinach wilts nicely, while mushrooms add a rich, earthy taste. Spice things up with these tips: - Adding spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your spice level. - Incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or lemon zest: Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor. Lemon zest brightens the dish, making it more refreshing. Feel free to explore these variations! You can make Creamy Chicken Penne your own. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. When you have leftover creamy chicken penne, cool it first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you use glass containers, they work well too. They help you see what’s inside. To freeze chicken penne, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy. For the best taste, use your creamy chicken penne within three days if refrigerated. When frozen, it stays good for about three months. Check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks discolored, it’s best to toss it. Fresh food makes for the best meals! Yes, you can make Creamy Chicken Penne ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then combine them. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This will save you time on busy nights. You can use several substitutes for Parmesan cheese. Pecorino Romano is a good option with a strong flavor. Grana Padano also works well and is milder. For a dairy-free choice, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can divide the dish into portions and store them in containers. This makes it easy to grab a meal during the week. Just remember to reheat it on low heat to keep the cream sauce smooth. To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat penne. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli increases the nutrition and flavor. A crisp white wine pairs well with Creamy Chicken Penne. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works nicely. These wines enhance the creaminess without overpowering the dish. Enjoying a glass can elevate your meal experience. For the complete cooking instructions, check the Full Recipe! This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy chicken penne. We talked about the main ingredients like pasta, chicken, and garlic. The step-by-step instructions guide you from prep to cooking. Tips shared ensure perfect pasta and sauce. You can also experiment with variations and swaps for your taste. Lastly, proper storage has been outlined to keep your meal fresh. Enjoy this dish, knowing it’s customizable and easy to store for later.](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/e91e0e5a-470b-438d-9ad5-b17aa82af43c-250x250.webp)
Creamy Chicken Penne
Indulge in a delightful Creamy Chicken Penne that's perfect for any occasion! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.