There's something magical about the way Penne Pasta holds onto every bit of sauce in its little tubes. This penne pasta recipe has been my go-to comfort meal for years, especially when I need something that pleases everyone at the dinner table. My kids actually cheer when they see me pulling out the penne from the pantry. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that makes even the pickiest eaters happy. It's pure comfort in a bowl.
Why You'll Love This
This penne pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the hefty price tag or long wait times. The pasta penne tubes capture every drop of the rich, creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated.
My sister tried this last weekend and immediately asked for the recipe. It's versatile enough to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and the chicken adds hearty protein that keeps everyone satisfied. Plus, it's ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknight pasta dinners when time is short.
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What You'll Need
These simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Most of these ingredients are probably sitting in your kitchen right now, which makes this dish perfect for those last-minute dinner decisions.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Fresh basil leaves add a lovely aromatic touch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes brings gentle heat if your family enjoys a little spice like mine does.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Penne Pasta
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help bind our sauce beautifully later.
Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauté the Vegetables
Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add remaining oil and sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and bell peppers, cooking until fragrant and slightly softened.
What's the best way to prevent pasta from sticking together? Make sure your water is at a full rolling boil before adding the pasta, stir immediately after adding, and use plenty of water. A drizzle of olive oil in the cooking water also helps prevent sticking.
Create the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add butter and Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until smooth and creamy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the perfect consistency. The pasta should be glossy and well-coated.
Final Touch
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to perfect chicken penne pasta lies in not overcooking the chicken. I learned this lesson the hard way during a dinner party years ago!
Remove the chicken as soon as it's golden and cooked through, then let it finish in the creamy sauce. This keeps it tender and juicy.
Also, never rinse your cooked pasta - those starches help the sauce cling beautifully to every tube of penne.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Feel free to swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version. Turkey or shrimp work wonderfully in place of chicken for variety. For vegetarian penne recipes, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover chicken penne in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious for lunch the next day.
What to Serve With Penne Pasta
This pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread. My family loves it alongside roasted broccoli or steamed green beans. A glass of white wine for the adults completes this perfect pasta dinner that feels both casual and elegant.
FAQs About Penne Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and vegetables earlier in the day. Cook the pasta and assemble just before serving for optimal texture.
Can I freeze chicken penne pasta?
Cream-based sauces don't freeze well as they tend to separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream, and whisk constantly. If it does break, a splash of pasta water usually brings it back together.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle all work beautifully with this creamy sauce. Choose shapes with ridges or curves that hold sauce well.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed these creamy pasta recipes, you'll definitely want to try my chicken alfredo that uses similar techniques but with a richer sauce. My baked penne pasta is another family favorite that's perfect for meal prep. For more chicken pasta dishes, check out my collection of weeknight pasta dinners that never disappoint.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I can't wait to see your take on it! Don't forget to explore more of my pasta Dinner recipes for inspiration throughout the week.
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Pairing
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