Chicken Penne Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights or casual dinners—sure to become a go-to favorite.
Why We Love This Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe stands out for several reasons. It’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup afterward, which is always a plus! The recipe is also highly versatile; you can tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. For instance, you can add more vegetables, switch up the proteins, or adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. The creamy texture of the sauce complements the pasta beautifully, while the seasonings add an extra depth of flavor that can make anyone’s mouth water. Not to mention, it’s also quite filling, ensuring everyone leaves the dining table satisfied.
Ingredients for Chicken Penne Pasta
To create this delightful Chicken Penne Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 398 ml canned diced tomatoes (with liquid) (14 oz)
- 375 grams penne pasta (about 3/4 lb)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 cups spinach (loosely chopped)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
How to Make Chicken Penne Pasta Directions
Creating this Chicken Penne Pasta is straightforward and a great way to build your cooking skills. First, start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sprinkle the chicken breasts with seasoning salt. Sear each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes until they take on a beautiful golden color. This step is essential because it seals in the juices and guarantees a moist chicken.
After the chicken is seared, add your minced garlic to the skillet along with the dried basil, oregano, salt, thyme, and red chili flakes. Sauté these ingredients for one minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen. This fragrant step really elevates the dish and sets the stage for the rich flavors to come.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer over high heat. Soon after, add the penne pasta, stirring well to incorporate it into the broth. Once it’s all well mixed, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 9-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Once the pasta reaches the perfect texture, remove the cooked chicken from the pan and slice it into pieces. To thicken the sauce, whisk together the heavy cream and corn starch in a small bowl before stirring it into the pan. This will give you a deliciously creamy consistency that binds all the flavors together.
Finally, add the sliced chicken back into the pan along with fresh, loosely chopped spinach and the shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly in the heat. Give the dish a taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. When you’re satisfied, serve your Chicken Penne Pasta warm, and watch it become a new family favorite.
How to Serve Chicken Penne Pasta
Serving Chicken Penne Pasta can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Consider placing your pasta on a beautiful dish that showcases its colors. The creaminess of the sauce, the vibrant green of the spinach, and the golden chicken create a visually appealing presentation.
You can garnish your dish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese or some fresh basil for that touch of elegance. This meal pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread. If you want to elevate the experience further, why not serve it alongside some roasted vegetables? They’ll complement the pasta perfectly and add even more flavor to the table.
For larger gatherings, consider serving this dish family-style, where everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, for a more intimate setting, plate each serving individually, ensuring each guest feels special.
Expert Tips: Chicken Penne Pasta
While the Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is easy to follow, a few expert tips can take your dish from good to great. First, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh chicken breasts and good-quality tomatoes, as these can significantly affect the overall flavor of your dish.
Don’t hesitate to play with the spices. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, feel free to increase the amount of basil or oregano. Alternatively, if you prefer milder flavors, you might reduce the chili flakes or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
Cooking the pasta appropriately is another key aspect. Follow the package instructions but keep in mind that pasta continues to cook a little even after being removed from the heat. To avoid overcooking, you can slightly undercook the pasta and allow it to finish cooking in the sauce.
Lastly, if you want to make this meal even more nutritious, consider adding other veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. They can blend seamlessly with the existing flavors, lending a delightful crunch and added nutrients.
How to Store Chicken Penne Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’ll be pleased to know that Chicken Penne Pasta stores quite well. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
You may want to avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may change texture once thawed, compromising the overall quality of the meal.
Variation of Chicken Penne Pasta
One of the best features of Chicken Penne Pasta is its adaptability. Here are some variations to consider:
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add an assortment of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for an added nutritional boost and more vibrant color.
- Cheesy Delight: For something extra cheesy, incorporate mozzarella cheese or a blend of cheeses for more depth. You can even melt some on top before serving.
- Pesto Boost: Replace the cream with your favorite pesto for a fresh taste. This adds an aromatic herbal flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? Feel free to swap it out for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The cooking times will vary slightly, so keep an eye on your alternative protein as it cooks.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, incorporate more chili flakes or even diced jalapeños to ignite the flavor profile of the dish.
Feel free to get creative and make this Chicken Penne Pasta recipe your own!
FAQ: Chicken Penne Pasta
Can I use whole wheat penne pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne is a great substitution and adds extra fiber. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package directions.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
To check if the pasta is cooked to al dente, taste a piece. It should be firm to the bite yet cooked through. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly even after you take it off the heat!
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply omit the chicken and substitute with vegetables or a plant-based protein. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to retain flavor.
What can I serve with Chicken Penne Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Chicken Penne Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2)
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 398 ml canned diced tomatoes (14 oz, with liquid)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
For the Pasta
- 375 grams penne pasta (about 3/4 lb)
- 2 cups spinach (loosely chopped)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with seasoning salt and sear each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Add minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, thyme, and red chili flakes to the skillet and sauté for one minute.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices, bringing the mixture to a vigorous simmer.
- Add penne pasta to the skillet, stir well to integrate with the broth, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 9-10 minutes.
- Remove cooked chicken from the pan, slice it, and return to the skillet.
- Whisk together heavy cream and corn starch in a bowl, then stir into the skillet for a creamy consistency.
- Add chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until spinach wilts slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.