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- 300g penne pasta - 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish In my kitchen, I love to create a meal that warms the heart. Creamy Chicken Penne does just that! Let’s break down the ingredients. First, you need penne pasta. This shape holds the creamy sauce nicely. Next, diced chicken breasts bring protein and flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Garlic and onion create a fragrant base. Mushrooms add texture and earthiness. For the creamy sauce, heavy cream is key. It makes the dish rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth. Italian seasoning gives a burst of flavor. Red pepper flakes can spice things up a bit, but they’re optional. Don’t forget about the garnishes! A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. With these ingredients, you’ll create a hearty and flavorful meal that impresses everyone at your table. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. - Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water for later. - Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the diced chicken and sauté until it is cooked through and browned, about 6-8 minutes. - Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then remove it from the skillet and set aside. - In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes. - Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they turn golden, about 4-5 minutes. - Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer briefly for about 5 minutes. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. - Add the cooked penne and mix everything together well. - If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it's just right. - Serve the dish hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. - Top with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color. For the full details on making this delicious meal, check out the full recipe. To get the right sauce consistency, start with heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. If it feels too thick, add reserved pasta water. This helps loosen it. Taste the sauce as you go. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to make it pop. Keep the chicken moist by not overcooking it. Cook until it’s just browned. If you want a different flavor, try grilling or baking the chicken. Both methods add a nice touch. Grilled chicken gives a smoky taste, while baked chicken keeps it juicy. Cook the penne until al dente for the best bite. Follow the package directions carefully. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This water is magic for mixing into the sauce. It helps bind everything together and enhances flavor. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of creamy chicken penne. Just swap the chicken for your favorite veggies or tofu. Zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach work great. Tofu adds protein and absorbs the sauce well. This change keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. If you want extra protein, try adding shrimp or turkey. Shrimp cooks quickly and brings a nice flavor. Just sauté it for a few minutes until it turns pink. Turkey is another good choice. Use ground turkey or diced turkey breast for a leaner option. Both add a fun twist to the dish. Experimenting with seasonings can take your penne to the next level. Try different herbs like parsley, thyme, or even paprika. You can also use homemade broth for a richer taste. Store-bought broth works fine, but homemade can really shine. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste. This will make each meal feel fresh and new. For the full recipe, check out the delicious creamy chicken penne! To keep your Creamy Chicken Penne fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. This way, your pasta stays tasty. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it steam and regain creaminess. Stir often until heated through. For the microwave, place your pasta in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. Creamy Chicken Penne lasts about three days in the fridge. If you store it in the freezer, it can last up to two months. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more it may lose texture and flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your leftovers. For the full recipe, be sure to check the details earlier in this article! Yes, you can make Creamy Chicken Penne ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Then, make the sauce. Combine everything, but don’t add the cheese or basil yet. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat in a pot. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. If you want to swap out heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a non-dairy option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These choices will change the flavor a bit, but they still work well. You can also use silken tofu blended until smooth for a creamy texture without dairy. Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti works great. Choose what you have on hand or what you enjoy. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package for instructions. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Look for gluten-free penne pasta made from rice or corn. Also, make sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth. This way, you can enjoy the creamy goodness without worrying about gluten. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for Creamy Chicken Penne. You learned about the main ingredients, sauces, and garnishes that make this dish special. I provided clear steps to cook everything perfectly and gave tips to help you adjust the flavors. Remember, you can also make fun variations and store leftovers well. Enjoy cooking this dish and feel free to improvise based on what you have. Cooking should be fun and flexible, so let your creativity shine!

Creamy Chicken Penne

Indulge in a creamy chicken penne pasta dish that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! This recipe combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's a delightful way to impress your family and friends. Click to explore this delicious creamy chicken penne recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

300g penne pasta

2 boneless chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden and tender, about 4-5 minutes.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked penne pasta and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

            Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4