Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta for Easy Weeknight Dinner – Perfect for family dinners

Chicken Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the heartiness of penne pasta and succulent chicken, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe is not just about feeding your family; it’s about creating a meal that can turn an ordinary night into a special occasion. With fresh basil, vibrant grape tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese, this Chicken Penne Pasta dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a festive occasion – any time you want to enjoy a satisfying dinner filled with love and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making dinner hassle-free.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients like basil and tomatoes, paired with a creamy sauce, bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize this meal by adding your favorite vegetables or using whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy pasta; it’s a surefire hit that gets everyone eager to dig in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping.
• Restaurant Quality: Enjoy a gourmet meal right at home without the need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe stands out for its delightful balance of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce, enriched with the depth of white wine and savory chicken broth, marries beautifully with the al dente pasta. The fresh elements from the bruschetta topping – juicy grape tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar – keep the dish lively and add a refreshing crunch against the creamy backdrop. And let’s not forget the generous snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan, which brings a nutty richness that ties everything together. The dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that elevates the humble pasta dinner into a celebration of flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grape tomatoes, chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb 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
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine, or white cooking wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions

• Chicken: Feel free to substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Pasta: While penne holds sauce wonderfully, any pasta shape like fettuccine or rigatoni can also be used.
• Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but it may not be as rich.
• White Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, simply add an additional 1/4 cup of chicken broth for moisture.

Instructions

1. To make the bruschetta topping, combine the chopped grape tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a bowl. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the chicken and pasta.

2. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate.

4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the diced shallot and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

5. Whisk in the flour and gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Then, pour in the white wine and cook on low for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat.

7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until the pasta is well-coated. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

8. Serve the Chicken Penne Pasta in bowls, topped with a spoonful of bruschetta mixture and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite to hold up well against the sauce.
• For a deeper flavor, sauté the chicken until it develops a golden-brown crust.
• The bruschetta topping can be made ahead and stored, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Consider adding spinach or kale to the sauce for added nutrition and color.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or roasted zucchini for added nutrition.
• Pesto Chicken Penne: Substitute the cream with pesto for a deliciously herby twist.
• Spicy Garlic Shrimp Penne: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Lemon Basil: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest for a brighter, refreshing flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chicken Penne Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette and a warm, crusty baguette for sopping up the sauce. A glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully, while a light, fruity tea might serve well for family meals. Top with fresh parsley or extra basil for a vibrant presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish can also freeze well if stored in proper containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip salting the pasta water; it’s essential for flavoring the pasta itself.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should remain juicy and tender.
• Ensure to whisk the broth well to prevent lumps from the flour when creating the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?

Yes! Whole wheat pasta can be used as a healthier alternative, providing more fiber and nutrients while still being delicious. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in the recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter option, but bear in mind that this will slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For an extra kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapeños to the pan when cooking your chicken.

Is it possible to use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. You can marinate or sauté it directly from frozen, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Chicken Penne Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that promises warmth and satisfaction. With its delightful harmony of flavors and comforting textures, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. So go on, gather your ingredients and create this memorable pasta dish — you’ll want to make it again and again! Don’t forget to share your creation and save this recipe for future cooking adventures!

Chicken Penne Pasta

A delightful dish that combines penne pasta and succulent chicken in a creamy sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 700

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bruschetta Topping

• 2 cups grape tomatoes, chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients

• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces Can substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 shallot diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine, or white cooking wine Can substitute with chicken broth.
• 1 cup heavy cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the chopped grape tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a bowl. Let sit.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cooking

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add shallot and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Whisk in the flour, then gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Add white wine and cook on low for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Return chicken to the pan, stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer on medium-low heat.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Toss in cooked pasta until well-coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serving

1. Serve the Chicken Penne Pasta in bowls, topped with bruschetta mixture and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream.