Chicken Penne Pasta

why make this recipe

Chicken Penne Pasta is a great dish for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests.

how to make Chicken Penne Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
6. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, combining it well with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

how to serve Chicken Penne Pasta

Serve Chicken Penne Pasta hot, making sure to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

how to store Chicken Penne Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it in a skillet until warm.

tips to make Chicken Penne Pasta

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a bit of pasta water if it’s too thick.
• For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

variation

If you want to switch things up, try adding some cooked broccoli or mushrooms to the dish. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as fusilli or farfalle.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chicken Penne Pasta can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Chicken Penne Pasta

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A creamy, delicious chicken penne pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

<li Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

5. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, combining it well with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a bit of pasta water if it’s too thick.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, Italian, family dinner