Chicken Penne Pasta

The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen as creamy Chicken Penne Pasta simmers on the stove is truly irresistible. This Italian-inspired comfort dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Chicken Penne Pasta has become a weeknight favorite for many families, offering the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and incredible flavor. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Chicken Penne Pasta with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender, juicy chicken chunks against the slight chew of perfectly al dente penne creates a textural masterpiece in every forkful. The creamy sauce offers a luxurious mouthfeel while still allowing the flavors of garlic, herbs, and parmesan to shine through.

What makes this Chicken Penne Pasta recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The recipe uses common pantry staples, eliminating the need for a special grocery trip. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean afterward.

The balance of flavors is what elevates this dish from good to exceptional. The slight tang from the parmesan cuts through the richness of the cream, while the herbs add freshness that prevents the dish from becoming too heavy. This penne pasta with chicken brings restaurant-quality dining right to your family table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

For this delicious Chicken Penne Pasta, you’ll need:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The quality of your Parmesan makes a significant difference in this creamy chicken pasta dish. Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano rather than pre-grated options for the best flavor and melting properties. For the chicken, organic or free-range varieties tend to have better texture and taste, elevating your Chicken Penne Pasta to restaurant quality.

Pro Tips

Season in Layers: The secret to truly flavorful Chicken Penne Pasta is seasoning at every stage. Salt the pasta water generously until it tastes like seawater. Season the chicken before cooking and adjust the sauce seasoning before combining everything. This builds depth of flavor that cannot be achieved by only salting at the end.

Perfect Pasta Technique: For the ideal penne texture in your Chicken Penne Pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce. Always reserve about 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold contains starches that help the sauce cling to the pasta and can adjust the consistency if needed.

Master the Sauce Consistency: The cream sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow slowly when tilted. If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. If too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer or add a little more Parmesan. Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so aim for a consistency just slightly thinner than your desired final result for perfect Chicken Penne Pasta.

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Don’t rinse the pasta as the starch helps the sauce adhere better to your Chicken Penne Pasta.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels (this ensures better browning). Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.

Step 3: Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce for your Chicken Penne Pasta.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn as this would introduce bitterness to your dish.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits (this is called deglazing). Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Add the heavy cream, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and allow everything to heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Your Chicken Penne Pasta is ready to serve! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform your basic Chicken Penne Pasta into a nutrient-rich meal by adding vegetables. Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions, then add 2 cups of baby spinach or kale during the final minute of cooking. For a summer variation, add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil instead of parsley. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add beautiful color and textural contrast.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Give your Chicken Penne Pasta a Southern twist by seasoning the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning before cooking. Add diced bell peppers to the onion mixture and substitute half the Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Finish with sliced green onions for a fresh, zippy garnish that complements the spicy elements beautifully.

Dairy-Free Alternative: For those avoiding dairy, create a creamy Chicken Penne Pasta by replacing heavy cream with 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The coconut flavor is subtle when combined with the other ingredients, and the nutritional yeast provides a surprisingly cheese-like umami flavor that satisfies even dedicated cheese lovers.

Storage and Serving

Chicken Penne Pasta will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revitalize the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquid over time. Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and the pasta texture will suffer.

For serving, present your Chicken Penne Pasta in warmed bowls to keep it hot longer. Accompany with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For an elegant presentation, place the pasta in a large serving bowl, top with extra Parmesan shavings, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

For wine pairing, a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy elements of this pasta dish beautifully, while a light Pinot Noir works well for red wine enthusiasts.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute in Chicken Penne Pasta. They’re more forgiving if slightly overcooked and often provide more flavor. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and expect a slightly longer cooking time.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
To reduce calories in your Chicken Penne Pasta, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, increase the ratio of chicken broth, and use less Parmesan. You can also use whole wheat penne for added fiber and substitute part of the pasta with extra vegetables.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, though it’s best freshly made. If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the pasta, make the sauce thinner than usual, and store separately from the pasta if possible. When reheating, combine and add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Why is my sauce grainy or separating?
This typically happens when the sauce is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Always simmer cream sauces gently and add cheese off the heat or at very low temperatures. For Chicken Penne Pasta, grate your own Parmesan rather than using pre-packaged options which often contain anti-caking agents.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use equal parts half-and-half with a tablespoon of butter. In a pinch, whole milk with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (mixed into the milk before adding) can create a thickened sauce with less fat than traditional Chicken Penne Pasta.

Conclusion

This Chicken Penne Pasta is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors that dance on your palate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing family together around the table with anticipation. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning food lovers, this Chicken Penne Pasta delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked love in every bite. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a reliable crowd-pleaser in your cooking repertoire for years to come.

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