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Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is a quick and comforting meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts tossed with al dente penne pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Pasta

  • 1/2 pound penne pasta (2 cups)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved hot pasta water)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Garnish

  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water in a bowl if you prefer to use it instead of chicken broth. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips, transfer to a plate, and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm and moist.
  4. Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until it forms a thick paste (roux), which will help thicken the sauce.
  5. Prepare the creamy sauce: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine and serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked penne pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or pasta water for a lighter taste.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before slicing for safety and best texture.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan delivers better flavor compared to pre-grated.
  • Garnish with parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/creamy-chicken-penne-pasta-recipe/