Description
Comforting “creamy chicken penne pasta” blends Italian culinary tradition with rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients meld perfectly, offering a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a smooth liquid base and stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
- Simmer the liquid mixture for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce and develop deeper flavors.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese completely melts and creates a velvety, rich sauce.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each penne is evenly coated and heated thoroughly.
- Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality, fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, evenly cooked meat with minimal prep time.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, balanced dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg