Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Looking for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish? This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and delicious meal without a lot of fuss. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a savory tomato-based sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need it to thin the sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Optional – Add Cream: If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the Chicken to the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the tomato sauce.
2. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
3. Stir in Parmesan: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, adding a rich, savory flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the Chicken Penne Pasta hot, topped with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan for garnish.
2. Enjoy: Pair it with a slice of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Pasta

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or make it creamy by adding heavy cream.
• Family-Friendly: The simple yet flavorful tomato sauce is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Vegetables:

• For extra nutrition, toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.

2. Make It Creamy:

• For a richer dish, stir in heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamy tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken and pasta.

3. Use Different Pasta:

• You can swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.

4. Make It Spicy:

• If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

5. Try Different Proteins:

• Swap the chicken for shrimp, ground beef, or Italian sausage for a different take on this dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

• Yes, if you’re in a pinch, you can use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce instead of making it from scratch.

2. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

• Make sure to toss the cooked pasta with a little bit of olive oil if you’re not adding it to the sauce immediately.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just reheat everything and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Penne Pasta?

• Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

• Absolutely! Just cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Conclusion

This Chicken Penne Pasta is the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you prefer a creamy or tomato-based sauce, this versatile dish can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Yield: 4

Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Print

Looking for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish? This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and delicious meal without a lot of fuss. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a savory tomato-based sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
   In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
   Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve:
   Plate the chicken penne pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Chicken Variations: You can use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even substitute with shrimp.

Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Cheese: For a richer flavor, add a bit of shredded mozzarella or cream cheese to the sauce.