Creamy Chicken Penne is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a rich, creamy pasta. Tender pieces of chicken are tossed with penne pasta and coated in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an indulgent meal that comes together quickly, making it both satisfying and convenient. You can also customize it by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Combine the pasta and chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce. If using, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the Creamy Chicken Penne hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Enjoy this rich, delicious Creamy Chicken Penne for a comforting meal that’s sure to be a family favorite!
