Every weeknight around 5 PM, it's a flurry of activity in our kitchen. My husband walks in the door, the kids are asking what's for dinner, and my mind is racing to come up with something everyone will actually eat. This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is my secret weapon. It's one of those magical dishes that solves all our dinner dilemmas.
It's hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, and it's a chicken pasta dish that my entire family devours. This creamy pasta recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a proven solution for a delicious meal without the chaos. I'll show you how to make this chicken penne pasta dish that will have your whole family asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Penne Pasta
You know those days when you just want a cozy hug in a bowl? This is that dish. This recipe for baked penne pasta is packed with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and savory seasonings. It's a pasta dinner that feels special but comes together with very little effort. I promise you, this chicken penne pasta recipe is going to be a new family favorite.
My daughter calls it "the yummy one," and my husband always makes sure there are leftovers for his lunch the next day. This is a dish that proves that delicious, homemade meals don't have to be complicated.
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What You'll Need for This Comforting Dish
Making great chicken penne pasta doesn't require a special trip to the grocery store. I always have these simple ingredients on hand for those nights when I need to get dinner on the table fast. It's about using everyday items to create something truly delicious and comforting. Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Essential Ingredients
- Penne pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
Optional Add-ins
If you want to add a little something extra, my mom always adds a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. A handful of fresh spinach or some sautéed mushrooms would also be a great addition to this simple chicken penne pasta.
The full chicken penne pasta instructions are right in the card below.
Let's Cook This! Your Cooking Roadmap
This is where the real fun begins! Just follow these easy steps to bring this amazing chicken penne pasta to life. Don't worry, it's a lot easier than it looks. You'll be surprised at how quickly this dish comes together.
Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it's al dente, which means it's still a little firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but remember to save about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This is a pro chef secret!
Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it's golden and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step makes sure the chicken is juicy and tender, not tough.
- How do I know if my chicken is cooked all the way through? The easiest way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part of a piece; the juices should run clear.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the tomato sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is when the kitchen starts to smell absolutely fragrant and wonderful.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked penne pasta and the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything to coat it evenly. If the sauce seems a little thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to make it more creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious.
Aliana's Top Tip
A little secret I've learned from my mom: always use a high-quality parmesan cheese.
The good stuff makes all the difference in the world, giving the sauce a rich, nutty flavor that you just can't get from the pre-shredded kind.
It's worth the extra effort, I promise! Just a little bit of that real cheese takes your chicken penne pasta to the next level.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Life gets busy, and sometimes you don't have exactly what the recipe calls for. That's okay! This chicken pasta dinner is forgiving. You can easily swap the chicken for Italian sausage or shrimp. If you're out of penne, any other short pasta like ziti or rotini will work just fine. My sister once made this with gluten-free pasta, and it was just as delicious!
How to Store & Reheat
This chicken penne pasta is a fantastic make-ahead meal and tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or gently warm it in a skillet on the stove with a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back that creamy texture. My husband's favorite way to have it is straight from the fridge in his lunchbox.
What to Serve With This Dish
This creamy penne pasta is so satisfying on its own, but to complete the meal, I love serving it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread is also non-negotiable in our house. My husband swears this is the perfect pairing. It's a complete meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
FAQs About Chicken Penne Pasta
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for penne pasta, you can use any short pasta shape like ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli. The cooking time might vary slightly, so just follow the package directions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the chicken and the sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, combine everything, and enjoy.
How do I make the sauce even creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit of cream cheese or a little more heavy cream to the sauce while it simmers. Remember to stir well until it's fully melted and smooth.
Can I make this a baked pasta dinner?
Yes, you can. After combining the cooked pasta and sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This turns it into a delicious baked penne pasta.
More Recipes You'll Love
This chicken penne pasta is one of our go-to's, but if you're looking for more easy and delicious pasta dinners, check out some of my other favorites in the pasta category on my blog. They're all perfect for a busy family.
Want more creamy pasta fun? The salmon fettuccine is another family favorite, and it's always a hit.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes. I'd love to see your twist on it!
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Pairing
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