Chicken Penne Pasta: Easy Creamy 30-Minute Recipe

Name: Quick & Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta: A Simple 30-Minute Recipe with Video Guide.
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups grape tomatoes, chopped; 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 12 ounces penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; Kosher salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 shallot, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons flour; 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ¼ cup white wine or white cooking wine; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

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Mastering chicken penne pasta

Chicken penne pasta is a wonderfully comforting and simple dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe offers a beautiful balance of flavors, featuring the freshness of garlic and shallots combined with a hint of Italian seasoning and a comforting creaminess from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re a busy parent needing a quick and tasty dinner or a food enthusiast seeking a hearty yet elegant meal, chicken penne pasta fits the bill perfectly.

This recipe’s appeal also lies in the harmonious textures—the bite of al dente penne pasta against juicy chicken pieces and the silky, indulgent sauce. The optional bruschetta topping made from grape tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar adds a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens the dish. Versatile and easily adaptable, chicken penne pasta can be customized with different pasta shapes or enhanced with additional vegetables, making it a great weekday staple for all types of diets.

Benefits and Advantages of chicken penne pasta

Quick and Easy Preparation

This chicken penne pasta recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. With a total cooking time of around 30 minutes, it is ideal for weeknight meals. The method separates components into manageable steps: cooking pasta, sautéing chicken, and then composing a flavorful sauce, which allows for multitasking and time-saving.

Balanced Nutrition

Combining lean protein from skinless chicken breasts with complex carbohydrates from penne pasta, this dish provides an excellent source of energy and muscle-supporting nutrients. The cream sauce, enriched with Parmesan, adds calcium and protein, while the fresh bruschetta topping contributes antioxidants and vitamins from ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil.

Flavorful and Comforting

The creamy sauce layered with Italian seasonings and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes creates a warm, inviting flavor profile. It is rich but balanced by the lightness and acidity of the bruschetta topping. This balance makes it appealing across ages and makes it a satisfying comfort food.

Versatility and Adaptability

This recipe can easily be modified for dietary preferences, such as swapping penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta or adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. It can be made in one pan, minimizing cleanup, and works well for meal prep or serving guests.

Essential Ingredients for chicken penne pasta

2 cups grape tomatoes, chopped (for bruschetta topping)
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus additional for sautéing)
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced (for topping)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
12 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup white wine or white cooking wine
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Each ingredient in this list plays a crucial role—from the pasta providing body, chicken bringing protein and texture, to the broth and wine that build depth in the sauce. The fresh and dried herbs season the dish while the creamy elements make it beautifully silky.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chicken penne pasta

Chicken penne pasta is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences. Here are some popular substitutions and customization tips:

Chicken Alternatives: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. For a vegetarian option, substitute with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.
Pasta Variations: Swap regular penne with whole wheat, chickpea, lentil-based, or gluten-free penne to meet nutritional or dietary restrictions while maintaining texture.
Dairy Modifications: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream, cashew cream, or a plant-based milk thickened with a flour or starch for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets. Use vegan Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
Sauce Adjustments: Use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to reduce sodium content. For alcohol-free options, substitute white wine with more broth or a splash of white grape juice.
Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes or add other spices like smoked paprika to meet your taste and dietary preferences.

These substitutions allow you to create a chicken penne pasta tailored to your health goals, ingredient availability, and flavor preferences without compromising the dish’s creamy, savory essence.

How to Prepare the Perfect chicken penne pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to make a creamy, flavorful chicken penne pasta that’s perfect for any occasion:

First Step: Prepare the Bruschetta Topping

In a bowl, combine 2 cups chopped grape tomatoes, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside to marinate while preparing the pasta and chicken.

Second Step: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Third Step: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Fourth Step: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced shallot and cook for about 1 minute. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually add 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth and ¼ cup white wine, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Fifth Step: Combine All Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

Sixth Step: Finish the Dish

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly. Remove from heat and serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese and the prepared bruschetta topping.

Mastering chicken penne pasta: Advanced Tips and Variations

Here are some techniques and variations to refine your chicken penne pasta and personalize the dish.

Advanced Tips

Rest the cooked chicken briefly after cooking to retain juiciness before adding to the sauce.
Use a combination of fresh herbs like parsley and basil for brighter flavor layering.
Deglaze the pan with white wine after cooking chicken to capture flavorful bits stuck to the skillet.
Slowly add heavy cream and cheese, heating gently to avoid curdling and to create a silky sauce.

Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more vegetable complexity.
For a spicy kick, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
Substitute the chicken broth and heavy cream with tomato cream sauce for a richer, tangier profile.
Try using rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

How to Store chicken penne pasta: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your chicken penne pasta fresh and flavorful for later enjoyment.

Refrigeration

Cool the pasta to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the bruschetta topping separately to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore sauce consistency.
Alternatively, warm in a microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Value of chicken penne pasta

Nutrient	Amount per serving	Notes
Calories	563 kcal	Balanced to satisfy hunger without excess
Carbohydrates	43 g	From pasta and vegetables
Protein	31 g	Chicken and Parmesan support muscle repair
Fat	28 g	Includes saturated fat from cream and cheese
Saturated Fat	14 g	Moderate, from dairy ingredients
Cholesterol	127 mg	Mostly from chicken and cream
Sodium	510 mg	Relatively low for a creamy pasta dish
Fiber	2 g	From tomatoes and whole ingredients
Vitamin A	1362 IU	From basil and tomatoes
Vitamin C	12 mg	Boosted by fresh tomatoes and basil

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chicken penne pasta

Can I make Chicken Penne Pasta advance and serve it later?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a couple of days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop or oven, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the smooth sauce. Fresh toppings like bruschetta should be made just before serving.

What’s the best way to cook pasta for Chicken Penne Pasta?

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, salt generously, and cook the penne pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Drain well and set aside to add to the sauce later.

What kind of chicken should I use in Chicken Penne Pasta?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience. For vegetarian versions, omit chicken and increase vegetable content.

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fusilli, farfalle, or gluten-free alternatives like chickpea-based pastas can substitute without compromising the dish’s integrity. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Quick & Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta: A Simple 30-Minute Recipe with Video Guide.