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.

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

Description

🍝 Indulge in a creamy and flavorful chicken penne pasta that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
🌿 Delight your taste buds with a fresh bruschetta topping that adds vibrant colors and flavors to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Bruschetta Topping:
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

Chicken Penne Pasta:
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

Instructions

Prepare Bruschetta Topping: Combine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate while preparing the pasta and chicken.

Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add shallot and garlic, cooking for a minute. Whisk in flour and gradually add chicken broth and white wine, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook on low for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened.

Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and add Parmesan cheese.

Finish the Dish: Add cooked pasta, stirring until well coated in sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and bruschetta topping.

Notes

🧂 Salt the pasta water generously for added flavor.
🧀 Use freshly grated, high-quality Parmesan for a richer taste.
🍅 Prepare bruschetta topping ahead of time for better flavor blending.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 563
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 510 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: -
Trans Fat: -
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 127 mg