![- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Colander for draining pasta For this creamy chicken penne, the ingredients play a key role in its rich taste. The penne pasta gives a hearty base. The chicken adds protein and flavor. Garlic brings a punch of aroma. Heavy cream makes it velvety and rich. Chicken broth enhances the flavor depth. The seasoning is simple yet effective. Italian seasoning ties everything together. Salt and pepper help bring out the best in each ingredient. Fresh basil leaves add color and a bright taste. You will need a large pot to boil the pasta. A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and sauce. Lastly, have a colander ready to drain the pasta after cooking. These tools make your cooking process smooth and easy. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps in the [Full Recipe]. - Bring salted water to a rolling boil. - Cook penne according to package instructions. Cooking pasta is simple and fun. Use a large pot and let the water boil first. Add salt for flavor. Cooking penne usually takes about 11 to 13 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. - Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. - Season and cook diced chicken until golden brown. For the chicken, start with a large skillet. Add olive oil and let it heat up. It should shimmer but not smoke. Add the diced chicken and season it well with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often, so it cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take it out and place it on a plate. - Sauté minced garlic in skillet. - Combine chicken broth and heavy cream, then add cheese. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. The smell will be amazing! Next, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. - Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. - Toss together until pasta is coated. Now comes the best part! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in that creamy sauce. If things seem a bit dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your creamy chicken penne! To make the sauce just right, you can adjust the thickness. Add more cheese or cream if you want it richer. This will give your dish a nice, creamy feel. Always check the seasoning as you mix. Taste it as you go to ensure every bite is flavorful. When cooking, keep the stove on medium heat. This helps to prevent burning. If the heat is too high, you risk ruining the sauce. Use a wooden spoon for gentle mixing. It won’t scratch your skillet and helps keep things smooth. For a touch of class, garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes your dish look great and adds flavor. Serve in wide, shallow bowls. This way, every bite gets noticed, and it looks nice on the table. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. If you want a quick meal, use rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. This saves time and still gives you a tasty dish. Veggies can boost the flavor and nutrition of your meal. Try adding spinach for a fresh crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy taste. You can also toss in mushrooms. They bring an earthy flavor that makes the dish richer. These add-ins make your creamy chicken penne even better. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne. It's easy to find and cooks well. You can also try whole wheat or spinach pasta for a healthier choice. These alternatives add different textures and flavors while keeping the dish enjoyable. Experiment with these options to find your favorite! After you enjoy your creamy chicken penne, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You should eat the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Creamy chicken penne can stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Gently reheat it before serving to keep it creamy and delicious. To reheat your dish, use low heat. This helps avoid drying it out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth. This will bring back its smooth texture. Enjoy your meal without worry! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them separately. When it’s time to eat, just combine them with the pasta. This way, you can enjoy a fresh meal without much hassle. You can use half-and-half if you want a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well too. Both will give you a nice creamy texture. You can make it healthier by adding veggies. Spinach or broccoli would be great. Also, using lean chicken helps boost its nutritional value. Balance is key to a healthy meal. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap the penne with gluten-free pasta. There are many tasty options on the market today. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. This includes prep time and cooking time. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time! Yes, it reheats nicely. Just remember to heat it gently. This will help keep the sauce smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of cream or broth. This blog post shows how to make a tasty Creamy Chicken Penne. We covered all the ingredients needed, from pasta and chicken to spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking. You'll also find tips for perfecting your dish and fun variations. Lastly, I discussed storage options and answered common questions. Cooking this dish can be simple and rewarding. With a few extra touches, you can enjoy a rich, creamy meal. So grab your ingredients and get started! Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/e91e0e5a-470b-438d-9ad5-b17aa82af43c-768x768.webp)
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner, Creamy Chicken Penne is the answer! This dish pairs tender chicken with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. Let me guide you through each step, list ingredients, and share tips to make your meal unforgettable. Ready to dive in? Your kitchen adventure starts here!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Equipment Needed
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
– Colander for draining pasta
For this creamy chicken penne, the ingredients play a key role in its rich taste. The penne pasta gives a hearty base. The chicken adds protein and flavor. Garlic brings a punch of aroma. Heavy cream makes it velvety and rich. Chicken broth enhances the flavor depth.
The seasoning is simple yet effective. Italian seasoning ties everything together. Salt and pepper help bring out the best in each ingredient. Fresh basil leaves add color and a bright taste.
You will need a large pot to boil the pasta. A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and sauce. Lastly, have a colander ready to drain the pasta after cooking. These tools make your cooking process smooth and easy.
For the full recipe, check the detailed steps in the [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
– Bring salted water to a rolling boil.
– Cook penne according to package instructions.
Cooking pasta is simple and fun. Use a large pot and let the water boil first. Add salt for flavor. Cooking penne usually takes about 11 to 13 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Preparing the Chicken
– Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
– Season and cook diced chicken until golden brown.
For the chicken, start with a large skillet. Add olive oil and let it heat up. It should shimmer but not smoke. Add the diced chicken and season it well with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often, so it cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take it out and place it on a plate.
Making the Creamy Sauce
– Sauté minced garlic in skillet.
– Combine chicken broth and heavy cream, then add cheese.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. The smell will be amazing! Next, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
– Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta.
– Toss together until pasta is coated.
Now comes the best part! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in that creamy sauce. If things seem a bit dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.
For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your creamy chicken penne!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
To make the sauce just right, you can adjust the thickness. Add more cheese or cream if you want it richer. This will give your dish a nice, creamy feel. Always check the seasoning as you mix. Taste it as you go to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Cooking Techniques
When cooking, keep the stove on medium heat. This helps to prevent burning. If the heat is too high, you risk ruining the sauce. Use a wooden spoon for gentle mixing. It won’t scratch your skillet and helps keep things smooth.
Serving Suggestions
For a touch of class, garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes your dish look great and adds flavor. Serve in wide, shallow bowls. This way, every bite gets noticed, and it looks nice on the table.
Variations
Different Proteins
You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. If you want a quick meal, use rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. This saves time and still gives you a tasty dish.
Vegetable Add-ins
Veggies can boost the flavor and nutrition of your meal. Try adding spinach for a fresh crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy taste. You can also toss in mushrooms. They bring an earthy flavor that makes the dish richer. These add-ins make your creamy chicken penne even better.
Pasta Alternatives
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne. It’s easy to find and cooks well. You can also try whole wheat or spinach pasta for a healthier choice. These alternatives add different textures and flavors while keeping the dish enjoyable. Experiment with these options to find your favorite!
Storage Info
Refrigerating
After you enjoy your creamy chicken penne, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You should eat the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Creamy chicken penne can stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Gently reheat it before serving to keep it creamy and delicious.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your dish, use low heat. This helps avoid drying it out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth. This will bring back its smooth texture. Enjoy your meal without worry!
FAQs
How can I make Creamy Chicken Penne ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them separately. When it’s time to eat, just combine them with the pasta. This way, you can enjoy a fresh meal without much hassle.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half if you want a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well too. Both will give you a nice creamy texture.
Is Creamy Chicken Penne a healthy choice?
You can make it healthier by adding veggies. Spinach or broccoli would be great. Also, using lean chicken helps boost its nutritional value. Balance is key to a healthy meal.
Can I make this creamy chicken penne gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap the penne with gluten-free pasta. There are many tasty options on the market today.
How long does it take to make Creamy Chicken Penne?
It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. This includes prep time and cooking time. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Does Creamy Chicken Penne reheat well?
Yes, it reheats nicely. Just remember to heat it gently. This will help keep the sauce smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of cream or broth.
This blog post shows how to make a tasty Creamy Chicken Penne. We covered all the ingredients needed, from pasta and chicken to spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking. You’ll also find tips for perfecting your dish and fun variations. Lastly, I discussed storage options and answered common questions.
Cooking this dish can be simple and rewarding. With a few extra touches, you can enjoy a rich, creamy meal. So grab your ingredients and get started! Enjoy your cooking journey!
![- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Colander for draining pasta For this creamy chicken penne, the ingredients play a key role in its rich taste. The penne pasta gives a hearty base. The chicken adds protein and flavor. Garlic brings a punch of aroma. Heavy cream makes it velvety and rich. Chicken broth enhances the flavor depth. The seasoning is simple yet effective. Italian seasoning ties everything together. Salt and pepper help bring out the best in each ingredient. Fresh basil leaves add color and a bright taste. You will need a large pot to boil the pasta. A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and sauce. Lastly, have a colander ready to drain the pasta after cooking. These tools make your cooking process smooth and easy. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps in the [Full Recipe]. - Bring salted water to a rolling boil. - Cook penne according to package instructions. Cooking pasta is simple and fun. Use a large pot and let the water boil first. Add salt for flavor. Cooking penne usually takes about 11 to 13 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. - Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. - Season and cook diced chicken until golden brown. For the chicken, start with a large skillet. Add olive oil and let it heat up. It should shimmer but not smoke. Add the diced chicken and season it well with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often, so it cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take it out and place it on a plate. - Sauté minced garlic in skillet. - Combine chicken broth and heavy cream, then add cheese. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. The smell will be amazing! Next, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. - Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. - Toss together until pasta is coated. Now comes the best part! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in that creamy sauce. If things seem a bit dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your creamy chicken penne! To make the sauce just right, you can adjust the thickness. Add more cheese or cream if you want it richer. This will give your dish a nice, creamy feel. Always check the seasoning as you mix. Taste it as you go to ensure every bite is flavorful. When cooking, keep the stove on medium heat. This helps to prevent burning. If the heat is too high, you risk ruining the sauce. Use a wooden spoon for gentle mixing. It won’t scratch your skillet and helps keep things smooth. For a touch of class, garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes your dish look great and adds flavor. Serve in wide, shallow bowls. This way, every bite gets noticed, and it looks nice on the table. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. If you want a quick meal, use rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. This saves time and still gives you a tasty dish. Veggies can boost the flavor and nutrition of your meal. Try adding spinach for a fresh crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy taste. You can also toss in mushrooms. They bring an earthy flavor that makes the dish richer. These add-ins make your creamy chicken penne even better. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne. It's easy to find and cooks well. You can also try whole wheat or spinach pasta for a healthier choice. These alternatives add different textures and flavors while keeping the dish enjoyable. Experiment with these options to find your favorite! After you enjoy your creamy chicken penne, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You should eat the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Creamy chicken penne can stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Gently reheat it before serving to keep it creamy and delicious. To reheat your dish, use low heat. This helps avoid drying it out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth. This will bring back its smooth texture. Enjoy your meal without worry! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them separately. When it’s time to eat, just combine them with the pasta. This way, you can enjoy a fresh meal without much hassle. You can use half-and-half if you want a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well too. Both will give you a nice creamy texture. You can make it healthier by adding veggies. Spinach or broccoli would be great. Also, using lean chicken helps boost its nutritional value. Balance is key to a healthy meal. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap the penne with gluten-free pasta. There are many tasty options on the market today. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. This includes prep time and cooking time. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time! Yes, it reheats nicely. Just remember to heat it gently. This will help keep the sauce smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of cream or broth. This blog post shows how to make a tasty Creamy Chicken Penne. We covered all the ingredients needed, from pasta and chicken to spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking. You'll also find tips for perfecting your dish and fun variations. Lastly, I discussed storage options and answered common questions. Cooking this dish can be simple and rewarding. With a few extra touches, you can enjoy a rich, creamy meal. So grab your ingredients and get started! Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/e91e0e5a-470b-438d-9ad5-b17aa82af43c-250x250.webp)
