Clean recipe · insanelygoodrecipes.com
Chicken Penne Pasta
This creamy chicken penne pasta combines tender chicken with pasta in a rich, garlic-Parmesan sauce. It's a restaurant-quality meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Original recipe: insanelygoodrecipes.com
- Yield:
- 6 servings
- Prep:
- 10 min
- Cook:
- 30 min
- Total:
- 40 min
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. For an extra creamy sauce, stir in mozzarella cheese as well. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), adjusting to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and the chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan on the side. Enjoy!