Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta: Hearty Weeknight Delight (Print Version)

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is a rich, comforting meal perfect for any night. Learn my personal recipe, full of flavor and easy kitchen tips.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten, chicken

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 lb penne pasta
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Sauce Essentials

04 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
06 - 3 cups chicken broth
07 - 1.5 cups heavy cream
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
10 - 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
11 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then give them a good season with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. Now, get a big pot of water boiling for your penne. Remember to salt it generously – it should taste like the ocean! Cook the pasta according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Drain it, reserving about a cup of that starchy pasta water; trust me, you might need it later for our Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta sauce. I always forget to reserve the water, then kick myself, so don't be like me!
02 - Next, get your large skillet heating over medium-high with a splash of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your seasoned chicken pieces. You want them to get a lovely golden-brown sear, honestly, that's where so much flavor starts! Cook them through, about 5-7 minutes, then pull them out and set 'em aside on a plate. Don't worry if they're not totally cooked through, they'll finish up in the sauce later. I always sneak a little taste here, just to make sure my seasoning is on point!
03 - Now, reduce your heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt down. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute or two. You're building the base for our creamy chicken penne pasta sauce here, so keep whisking until it smells a little nutty and turns a light golden color. This is where I always get nervous, thinking I'll burn it, but a steady whisk and medium heat are your friends! It should look like a thick paste, almost like wet sand.
04 - Slowly, slowly, pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This is key to avoiding lumps! Once that's smooth, gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. This step always makes my kitchen smell amazing, like pure comfort. If you have any lumps, just keep whisking; they usually work themselves out!
05 - Now for the good stuff! Stir in your minced garlic, the remaining Italian seasoning, and those red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the garlic to soften. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where you really make the Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta *yours*. Taste it! Does it need more salt? A little more spice? Adjust it until it sings.
06 - Finally, add your cooked chicken back into the sauce, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in that glorious creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to thin it out. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately and watch it disappear; this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is truly a masterpiece!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the roux, honestly, it makes all the difference for a smooth sauce.
02 - Leftovers are great, but the pasta can soak up sauce, so add a splash of milk when reheating.
03 - Tried swapping penne for rotini once; it held the sauce well, but penne just feels right.
04 - A little fresh parsley at the end isn't just for looks; it brightens everything up.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large skillet
03 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 35g

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