This creamy chicken penne pasta offers a comforting blend of seared poultry and tender noodles tossed in a rich, velvet-smooth sauce. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a high-protein meal that feels sophisticated yet remains incredibly simple to execute. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can bring this classic Italian-inspired dish to your table in under half an hour.
List of ingredients
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound penne pasta (2 cups)
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
step-by-step instructions
- Step: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water in a bowl (if using instead of chicken stock). Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts completely dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1-2 minutes. Add chicken and sear until golden brown, 6-8 minutes per side. Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips, transfer onto a plate, and cover with aluminium foil to stay moist.
- Step: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour and cook until thickened into a paste, about 1 minute.
- Step: Add heavy cream, chicken broth (or reserved hot pasta water), and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened to a desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step: Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Refining your technique
Achieving the perfect sear
Always ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the chicken, as this prevents the meat from sticking or steaming. Using a paper towel to remove surface moisture from the chicken is the secret to getting that beautiful, golden-brown crust that adds so much flavor to the final dish.
Managing sauce consistency
If your sauce appears too thick, you can slowly whisk in a few extra tablespoons of hot pasta water or warm chicken broth. Conversely, if it is too thin, simmer it for an extra minute or two to reduce the moisture, or add a tiny bit more grated Parmesan to thicken it up naturally.
Effective substitutions
Alternative protein options
While chicken breast is traditional, you can easily use boneless chicken thighs for a more tender result. If you have pre-cooked leftover chicken, simply slice or shred it and fold it into the sauce during the final step, heating just until warmed through, which saves significant preparation time.
Pasta varieties
Penne is excellent, but you can use almost any sturdy pasta shape like rotini, farfalle, or shells. These shapes are particularly effective at trapping the cream sauce within their crevices, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Creative flavor variations
Adding vibrant vegetables
You can easily turn this into a one-pan nutritious meal by adding fresh or frozen vegetables. Sautéed broccoli florets, steamed asparagus tips, or baby spinach wilted into the sauce at the very end all pair beautifully with the creamy base.
Enhancing the aromatics
For a deeper flavor profile, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. Alternatively, you can finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest to cut through the richness of the heavy cream.
Proper storage and reheating
Keeping leftovers fresh
Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container to avoid creating excess steam that leads to soggy noodles. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a reliable option for meal preparation.
Reheating for optimal texture
Reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat in the microwave, as it can cause the cream sauce to separate or break; short 30-second bursts are much safer.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my sauce separate?
Separation usually occurs if the sauce is boiled too vigorously or if the cheese is added while the heat is too high. Always keep the simmer gentle and incorporate the cheese steadily while stirring to ensure a smooth, stable emulsion.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can boil the pasta and sear the chicken earlier in the day to save time. However, it is best to prepare the creamy sauce fresh right before you plan to serve, as it maintains its texture best when consumed immediately after cooking.
Is heavy cream mandatory?
Heavy cream provides the necessary fat content for a stable, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Using lower-fat alternatives like half-and-half or milk will result in a much thinner sauce that may not cling to the noodles effectively.
How do I know the pasta is al dente?
Test the pasta one minute before the package instructions suggest by biting into a piece. It should be tender but still provide a slight, firm resistance to the tooth, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
What is the benefit of reserved pasta water?
The starch released by the boiling pasta remains in the water, acting as a natural binder that helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Using this water instead of plain broth adds a silky, professional quality to the final dish.
Can I double the recipe?
This recipe doubles easily, provided you use a large enough skillet to accommodate the extra pasta and sauce. Ensure you give the chicken enough room to sear properly in batches so it browns rather than crowds the pan.
Print
Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Chicken penne pasta is a quick and easy dinner that is delicious, rich, creamy, and flavorful. It’s a family favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound penne pasta (2 cups)
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water in a bowl (if using instead of chicken stock). Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts completely dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1-2 minutes. Add chicken and sear until golden brown, 6-8 minutes per side. Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips, transfer onto a plate, and cover with aluminium foil to stay moist.
- Step: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour and cook until thickened into a paste, about 1 minute.
- Step: Add heavy cream, chicken broth (or reserved hot pasta water), and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened to a desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step: Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if you prefer, or use cooked shredded chicken instead. If using shredded chicken, skip the searing steps and toss it into the sauce at the end. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg