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To make creamy chicken penne, you will need the following: - 300g penne pasta - 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You can swap a few ingredients to fit your taste or what you have at home. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli or farfalle. - Chicken: Substitute chicken with turkey or shrimp for a different flavor. - Cream: Light cream or even Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream. - Mushrooms: If you dislike mushrooms, try spinach or bell peppers instead. - Broth: Vegetable broth works if you want a vegetarian option. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding these: - Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a sweet and tangy kick. - Peas: For a pop of color and sweetness. - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach for more nutrients. - Cheese: Mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture. These tips will help you customize your creamy chicken penne. Enjoy the cooking process! For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300g of penne pasta and cook it as directed on the package. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, tender but firm. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but save a cup of that starchy water. This water can help adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 2 diced boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning the pieces as they brown. They should look golden and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, keep those tasty drippings! Lower the heat to medium and add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion looks translucent. Toss in 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they are golden. Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. It should thicken a bit. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well mixed. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s just right. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Now you're ready to serve! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. When making creamy chicken penne, some common mistakes can lead to a less tasty dish. - Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne until al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. - Not Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your chicken and sauce well. A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way. - Skipping the Starchy Water: Always reserve some pasta water. It helps to thin out the sauce without losing flavor. To get the best creamy sauce, a few tips can make a big difference. - Use Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich and thick texture. - Simmer Gently: After adding the cream, let it simmer slowly. This helps it thicken without burning. - Add Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also makes the sauce creamier. If you have leftovers, store them wisely to keep them tasty. - Cool First: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. - Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the penne fresh. - Use Within a Few Days: Try to eat leftovers within 3 days for the best taste. For the full recipe, you can find all the steps and details you need to make this dish a hit! {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for some hearty veggies. You can use: - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup of spinach or kale - 1 cup of chickpeas for protein Sauté these veggies in olive oil instead of chicken. This version keeps the creamy sauce and adds a fresh kick from the vegetables. For those who love a little spice, add more heat to your dish. Here’s how: - Use 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes for a stronger kick. - Add sliced jalapeños while cooking the chicken. - Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce on top. This version brings a bold flavor and excitement to every bite. If you want a low-carb option, zoodles are a great choice. They are made from spiralized zucchini. Here’s how to use them: - Replace penne pasta with 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized. - Sauté the zoodles for just 2-3 minutes before adding them to the sauce. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still creamy and delicious. Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your taste. Each option brings its own fun twist to creamy chicken penne. For the full recipe, check out the original instructions above. After you enjoy your creamy chicken penne, store the leftovers safely. Let the dish cool down. Use an airtight container to keep the pasta fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. To reheat creamy chicken penne, use the stovetop for the best flavor. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often and heat until warm. You can also use the microwave if you prefer. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly. If you want to store creamy chicken penne for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand. You can freeze it for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of broth or cream for the best taste. For full details, check the Full Recipe. To make creamy chicken penne, start by cooking the penne pasta. Boil water and add salt. Cook the pasta until al dente, then set it aside. Next, sauté diced chicken breasts in olive oil until golden. Remove the chicken and cook onion and garlic in the same skillet. Add mushrooms and let them brown. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in seasonings. Mix everything back together with the pasta. Serve it hot with cheese and fresh basil. You can find the Full Recipe to follow these steps easily. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While penne is great, you can try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Different shapes may hold sauce differently but will still taste delicious. Creamy chicken penne pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for creamy chicken penne. I provided a detailed list of these ingredients, along with substitutions and optional add-ins for enhanced flavor. We covered step-by-step instructions for perfecting the dish, from cooking pasta to making a creamy sauce. I shared tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes and preserve leftovers. To sum up, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and storage methods. Creamy chicken penne is versatile and rewarding.

Creamy Chicken Penne

Indulge in the deliciousness of Creamy Chicken Penne Delight, a perfect blend of savory chicken, tender penne pasta, and rich creamy sauce! This easy recipe brings together fresh ingredients like mushrooms and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

300g penne pasta

2 boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the diced chicken breasts in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

      Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet (keep the flavorful drippings), reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion turns translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.

        Make the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

            Serve: Once everything is heated through and nicely mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy chicken penne in bowls, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant basil leaves for a touch of freshness.

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