Chicken Penne

The moment you take that first bite of Chicken Penne, you’re hit with layers of comforting flavors that just make everything feel right. The tender pieces of chicken blend so seamlessly with the rich, creamy sauce, while the penne pasta soaks it all up, creating a delightful balance of textures. I love how the slight hint of garlic and the fresh basil add a bit of brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the sauce. It’s a perfect combination of cozy indulgence and light, vibrant flavors.

And the best part? This dish is one of those that tastes even better the next day. The flavors really have time to marry overnight, so don’t be surprised if your leftovers end up being a highlight of the week. Trust me, there’s something so satisfying about having a batch ready to go when hunger strikes, and it’s even more comforting when shared with loved ones around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just for yourself, Chicken Penne has that magical ability to make you feel like you’ve got something special on your plate.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Penne

The magic of Chicken Penne lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich, comforting flavors that we all love. From the creamy sauce to the tender chicken, every component works together to elevate this dish. Let’s break down the key players:

• Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender protein that soaks up the flavors of the sauce. Boneless and skinless make it easy to cut and cook, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken and garlic, olive oil adds a light, fruity base flavor. It helps everything come together without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic (minced): A must-have in any comforting dish, garlic brings a savory depth and aromatic fragrance to the sauce. It’s that little burst of flavor that makes every bite extra satisfying.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch of these adds a mild heat and a slight kick to the dish, balancing out the richness of the creamy sauce and providing a touch of warmth.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to the smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta. It brings that perfect creamy texture, making each bite feel indulgent and comforting.
• Chicken Broth: This is what ties the creamy sauce together. It adds a savory richness and depth of flavor that enhances the chicken, while also thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that rounds out the flavor. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick to the sauce and helps thicken it slightly, giving that satisfying, cheesy richness.
• Penne Pasta: The perfect vessel for all that creamy goodness. The ridges of penne hold the sauce, so each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s just the right size to balance the chicken and sauce.
• Butter: A little bit of butter takes the sauce from good to great, enriching the flavor and helping everything come together in a silky, smooth texture.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors. Just a pinch makes the whole dish come alive, balancing out the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice that complements the heat from the red pepper flakes, rounding out the flavor profile with just the right amount of kick.
• Fresh Basil (chopped): A burst of freshness! Basil brings a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a layer of aromatic depth that makes the dish feel vibrant and light.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped): These little gems bring an intense, tangy sweetness that adds a pop of flavor and texture to the dish. Their concentrated taste perfectly balances the creamy sauce.

Together, these ingredients create the perfect Chicken Penne experience—a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible!

How to Make Chicken Penne

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Penne

1. A Side of Garlic Bread: There’s just something magical about dipping a crispy, buttery garlic bread into that creamy sauce. It’s the perfect way to mop up any extra sauce on your plate, and the warm, toasty bread adds an irresistible crunch to every bite of the Chicken Penne.

2. A Fresh Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the dish with a simple green salad. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to give your taste buds a refreshing contrast to all the creamy goodness. It’s a quick and easy way to add some freshness to your meal!

3. Pair with a Light White Wine: If you’re in the mood for a drink, a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the richness of the Chicken Penne. The crisp acidity of the wine helps cut through the creaminess of the sauce, making each bite feel just a little bit lighter.

What do you usually love to serve with your pasta dishes? Would love to hear how you enjoy this recipe!

How to Store Chicken Penne

If you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s be real, can be just as exciting as the original meal), storing Chicken Penne properly ensures you can enjoy that creamy goodness all over again. First things first, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it—this helps preserve the flavors and prevents the sauce from separating.

To store it in the fridge, simply transfer the pasta into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, and when you reheat it, the sauce will still be velvety and smooth. If the sauce looks a little thick after refrigeration, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

If you’ve got a bit more time and want to keep your Chicken Penne around longer, freezing it is another option. You can portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be sure to give it a good stir to revive that creamy texture. When reheating from frozen, go slow—low heat in the microwave or on the stovetop is your best bet, with occasional stirring to ensure everything heats evenly.

There’s something so comforting about knowing you’ve got this creamy, chicken-filled pasta ready and waiting for you whenever the craving hits. It’s like having a cozy meal on standby!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite comfort meal, Chicken Penne! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cozy dinner with your family or whip up something extra special for yourself, this dish is sure to hit all the right notes. From the tender chicken to the creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta, it’s a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite. The subtle heat from the red pepper flakes, the brightness from the basil, and the tangy sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes really bring everything together, making this pasta so much more than just a typical weeknight dinner.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you. Do you have any fun twists on it that you’d like to share? Or maybe you’re wondering how to make it even more your own? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment or reach out if you’ve got any questions. Cooking should always be fun and filled with little discoveries, and I’m here for it!

Until next time, happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Chicken Penne

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce come together in this comforting dish. Each bite bursts with rich flavors, making it a satisfying, heartwarming meal that's impossible to resist.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat to cook the penne pasta.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
4. While the pasta is cooking, season both chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
6. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
8. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
9. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
11. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 3-5 minutes, reducing slightly.
12. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
13. Cut the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet.
14. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine the chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce.
15. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
16. Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
17. Add the chopped basil and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until they are well distributed throughout the dish.
18. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
19. Serve the Chicken Penne immediately, garnishing with extra basil if desired.

Note

• You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
• Consider using spinach or arugula as a fresh green addition to the dish.
• For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top before serving.

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