Chicken Penne Pasta

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Penne Pasta: Classic Comfort, Everyday Simplicity

If you’re searching for a pasta dish that feels like home but looks and tastes like it came from a favorite bistro, chicken penne pasta is the answer. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne come together in a delicious harmony. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or hoping to impress guests at a gathering, this recipe strikes the right note between comfort and sophistication.

What Makes Chicken Penne Pasta Stand Out

Convenience meets flavor with this one-pan wonder. You use basic pantry staples, but the results feel special every time. The structure of penne pasta helps hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is satisfying. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella delivers richness, while a touch of garlic, herbs, and optional red pepper give depth and complexity.

Chicken penne pasta is endlessly adaptable. Add extra vegetables, swap in your favorite proteins, or tweak spice levels to suit your tastes. The leftovers keep beautifully, making this a practical choice for meal-prepping or next-day lunches.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Penne Pasta

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to make this dish sing. Each plays a key role.

• Chicken breast: Lean, mild, and quick-cooking. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. These form a balanced foundation and enhance natural flavors.
• Penne pasta: Tube-shaped pasta that clings to sauce. Alternatives like rigatoni or ziti also work well.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing chicken; brings depth and an appetizing finish.
• Butter: Lends lushness to the sauce. Unsalted is best so you can control the final dish’s saltiness.
• Fresh garlic: Finely minced for subtle yet pungent aroma.
• Heavy cream: Essential for a smooth, creamy texture in the sauce. Half-and-half can work for a lighter version.
• Chicken broth: Preferably low-sodium. Adds savory depth and thins the sauce to the right consistency.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for meltability and robust flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides stretch and extra creaminess.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a gentle warmth and a little extra character.
• Fresh parsley or basil: Chopped and scattered over the top. Brightens the final dish with color and freshness.

The Step-by-Step Chicken Penne Pasta Guide

Getting dinner on the table can be simple, but a few careful steps make all the difference. Here’s how to put together the perfect chicken penne pasta in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Drop in your penne and stir once or twice to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, following package instructions for timing. Reserve about half a cup of the cooking water in case the sauce needs thinning later. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. In a small bowl, toss chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, arranging them in a single layer for even browning. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt butter in the pan drippings. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk everything together, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

With the sauce at a gentle bubble, add grated Parmesan a little at a time, whisking to ensure smooth melting. Stir in mozzarella gradually for extra creaminess. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and, if you like a touch of heat, some red pepper flakes. The sauce should feel silky and coat the back of your spoon. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it heat through in the simmering sauce for a minute or two. Add cooked penne and toss gently to coat all the noodles in sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency with more pasta water. Simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top. Serve immediately, with extra grated Parmesan on the side. If you like a touch more richness, a small drizzle of good olive oil brings the flavors together.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Chicken Penne Pasta

• Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded varieties, giving the sauce a smooth texture.
• Reserve pasta water: Starchy water loosens thick sauce and helps pasta absorb flavors.
• Avoid overcooking chicken: Thin slices or small pieces ensure the chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• Finish sauce with herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds color and liveliness just before serving.
• Adjust creaminess: Stir in an extra tablespoon of cream or a bit more cheese if you like a thicker, richer sauce.
• Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers are great for extra flavor and nutrition. For seafood lovers, swap chicken with shrimp—just reduce cooking time as shrimp cooks much faster.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Chicken penne pasta pairs well with simple sides, letting the main dish shine. Serve it with a crisp green salad—arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar both work. Crusty garlic bread is ideal for scooping up extra sauce.

Variations to try include:

• Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Vegetable-loaded: Cook bite-sized broccoli florets with the pasta, or stir in wilted baby spinach before serving.
• Different cheeses: Try fontina or provolone for a subtle twist on creaminess and flavor.
• Herby upgrade: Stir in fresh basil or oregano just before serving for an aromatic lift.

Storage and Leftover Advice

Leftovers hold up well in the fridge and can make a quick, hearty lunch or dinner the next day.

• To store: Cool the chicken penne pasta to room temperature. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so the texture will be thicker when reheated.
• To reheat: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back creaminess. If microwaving, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through and adding liquid as needed.
• Freezing: Cream-based sauces tend to separate after freezing, so freezing is not recommended. Enjoy freshly made or refrigerate for a few days instead.

Chicken Penne Pasta: A Table of Key Ingredients

Nutritional Snapshot

Chicken penne pasta is a balanced meal, combining lean protein, energizing carbohydrates, and calcium-rich cheeses. Swap in whole grain pasta or add vegetables for a boost in fiber and nutrients. While the sauce is on the creamy side, the protein and carb balance make it a satisfying main.

Chicken penne pasta turns simple ingredients into a meal that’s creamy yet vibrant, comforting yet never dull. Each forkful blends juicy chicken, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and pasta swirled in savory sauce. The recipe’s flexibility means you can tweak it to your preferences and experiment with seasonal add-ins.

Take a moment to enjoy the process—the aromas of sautéed garlic, the sight of bubbling sauce, and the moment you combine everything in the skillet. Serve it warm, with a sprinkle of herbs and extra cheese, and savor an Italian-inspired classic right at your own table.