Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
Are you craving a delicious and comforting pasta dish that's easy to make at
home? Look no further than our step-by-step guide to creating a mouthwatering
Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta. In this article, we'll take you through each stage
of the recipe, from ingredient preparation to plating, ensuring your pasta dish turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need For Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta:
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have all the necessary
ingredients on hand:
For the Pasta:
- 1. 8 oz (about 2 cups) of penne pasta
- 2. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4. Salt and black pepper to taste
- 5. 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 6. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 7. 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 8. 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (red and green)
- 9. 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 10. 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 11. 1 cup of heavy cream
- 12. 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 13. Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Garnish:
Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Penne Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne
pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
1. Season both sides
of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon
of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken
breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they are cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into thin
strips.
Saute the Vegetables:
1. In the same
skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the minced
garlic, diced onion, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.
3. Saute the
vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
1. Pour in the
chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
2. Add the grated
Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4
minutes.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
1. Return the cooked
penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Add the sliced
chicken strips to the skillet as well.
3. Gently toss
everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are coated evenly with the
creamy sauce.
4. Cook for an
additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
1. Sprinkle fresh
parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Your Creamy
Chicken Penne Pasta is ready to be served!
Helpful Tips
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Add vegetables to the sauce, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.
To make the dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and chicken according to the
instructions. Then, combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and heat over
low heat until warmed through. Add the pasta and chicken to the sauce and toss
to combine. Serve immediately.
Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that's perfect for a family
dinner or a special occasion. By following our step-by-step recipe, you can
create this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The combination
of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce over al dente
penne pasta is sure to satisfy your cravings. Serve it with a side salad and
some crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can absolutely use a different type of
pasta in your recipe.
Substituting one type of pasta for another can change the texture and
mouthfeel of the dish, but it can also add a unique twist to your recipe.
Just be mindful of the cooking times as different pasta shapes may require
different cooking durations, and consider how the sauce or ingredients will
interact with the new pasta shape to ensure a delicious outcome.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in many recipes.
Chicken thighs have a slightly different flavor and texture, with a richer
taste and more moisture, which can make dishes like stews, curries, and
grilled preparations even more flavorful. Just keep in mind that cooking
times may vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly to ensure the
chicken thighs are fully cooked through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can definitely make this dish vegetarian by substituting the meat
or animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as tofu,
tempeh, mushrooms, or various vegetables. This will allow you to enjoy a
delicious and cruelty-free version of the dish while still savoring its
flavors and textures.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add more heat and spiciness to this dish by incorporating
ingredients like chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Adjusting
the quantity of these spicy elements to your taste preferences will elevate
the dish's spiciness level. Additionally, experimenting with different
spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or curry powder can also enhance the
overall spiciness and flavor profile of the dish.
What is creamy pasta sauce made of?
Creamy pasta sauce is typically made from a combination of ingredients such
as heavy cream, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and various
seasonings. These components are blended together to create a rich and
velvety sauce that coats the
pasta, adding a luscious and indulgent flavor
to the dish.
How to cook penne pasta perfectly?
To cook penne pasta perfectly, start by bringing a large pot of salted water
to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and stir immediately to prevent
sticking. Cook according to the package instructions for al dente, usually
around 8-10 minutes. Taste a piece to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, which can be useful
for the sauce.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan, add
minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add your choice of ingredients
like tomatoes, basil, or vegetables, and season with salt, pepper, and any
desired herbs or spices. Simmer the sauce until it thickens.
Once the pasta is done, drain it, but don't rinse it. Add the drained pasta
to the sauce and toss it to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use the
reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Finish with a drizzle of
olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve your
perfectly cooked penne
pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional
cheese for added flavor. Enjoy!
How to spice up penne pasta?
To spice up penne pasta, you can start by preparing a flavorful sauce. Begin
by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until they are fragrant and
translucent. Then, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or you
can use diced chili peppers if you prefer a milder heat. Next, incorporate
canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes and let the mixture simmer,
seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs like
basil, oregano, and thyme. For added depth of flavor, you can include a
splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.
To make the dish even more exciting, consider adding protein such as grilled
chicken, spicy Italian sausage, or shrimp. Additionally, vegetables like
roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and sautéed spinach can add a burst
of color and flavor. Finally, don't forget to toss your cooked penne pasta
into the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors. Finish off
with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves
for a delightful, spiced-up penne pasta dish that will satisfy your taste
buds.
How many calories are in chicken penne pasta?
The number of calories in chicken penne pasta can vary depending on the recipe
and serving size, but on average, a typical serving of chicken penne pasta
contains approximately 350 to 400 calories.
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to roll up your
sleeves and start cooking your Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta masterpiece. Enjoy
your meal!
