Ah, you’re in for a comfort food classic—creamy chicken penne pasta! 🍝 Here’s a simple, flavorful recipe you can make in under 30–40 minutes:
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft (2–3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning if desired.
- Combine pasta and chicken
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked penne and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
- If using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in until slightly wilted or heated.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like.
- Serve hot and enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
💡 Tips for extra creaminess:
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, but it will be slightly less rich.
- Sauté mushrooms or bell peppers with the chicken for extra depth of flavor.
If you want, I can also give you a one-pan shortcut version that’s faster and saves on washing dishes—still creamy and delicious.
Do you want me to do that?