Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

This creamy chicken penne pasta brings together tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked penne coated in a rich, velvety parmesan sauce punctuated by sundried tomatoes and fragrant Italian herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and homey, great for a cozy dinner any night of the week or when you want to impress without fuss.

I first made this dish when I needed something comforting yet a bit fancy for a friend’s visit. Now it’s a go to whenever I crave that perfect blend of creamy and savory with a hint of brightness.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into oneinch pieces for even cooking and tenderness
• Penne pasta: that holds the sauce well choosing a quality brand will enhance the texture
• Extra virgin olive oil: for cooking chicken which adds a flavorful base
• Butter: to create a rich and smooth sauce foundation
• Fresh minced garlic: to bring aroma and depth fresh is always best here
• Allpurpose flour: to thicken the sauce fresh flour makes for better consistency
• Chicken broth: providing savory richness homemade or low sodium works great
• Heavy cream: to make the sauce luxuriously creamy full fat is best for richness
• Grated parmesan cheese: for a nutty, salty flavor freshly grated really elevates the sauce
• Sundried tomatoes packed in oil: offer sweetness and a pleasant chew drain well before use
• Paprika: adds warmth and subtle smokiness
• Dried Italian seasoning: combines herbs for complexity make sure it is fresh for the best flavor
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: to season perfectly
• Fresh basil: for garnish adds a pop of color and herbal brightness

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken and cook for six to eight minutes turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm while you prepare the sauce. This step builds a flavorful base and ensures the chicken stays juicy.

Make the Sauce Base:

Using the same skillet reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté it carefully for about thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for one to two minutes to form a roux. This slow cooking of flour in butter develops a nutty flavor and thickens the sauce later.

Incorporate Liquids and Cheese:

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking to ensure the sauce is smooth without any lumps. Stir in the sundried tomatoes along with paprika and dried Italian seasoning. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for about three to five minutes during which time it will thicken slightly.

Combine Pasta and Chicken:

Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat every piece evenly in the luscious sauce. Allow everything to warm together on mediumlow heat for a minute or two to marry the flavors.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top to add freshness and a burst of green. Finish with extra parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

I adore how the parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, savory base that makes every bite feel a little indulgent. One special family dinner where I served this dish became a hit, with everyone eagerly asking for the recipe, which was a proud moment for my home cooking.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. When reheating do so gently on the stove adding a little broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving since it can cause the sauce to separate or turn grainy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If penne is not available rigatoni or fusilli are excellent options as they also hold the sauce nicely. For a lighter sauce substitute half and half for heavy cream but expect a less rich silky finish. You can use fresh tomatoes instead of sundried ones but add them earlier and cook them down to soften and develop deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil which helps balance the richness. A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect to scoop up any leftover sauce. For drinks a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the creamy and savory notes especially well.

This creamy chicken penne is an easy impressive weeknight meal that feels special. Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal since it holds the creamy sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli can also be used as excellent alternatives.

→ Can fresh tomatoes replace sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes may be used but lack the concentrated sweetness and tang of sun-dried ones. Roasting fresh tomatoes before adding can deepen their flavor.

→ How do I thicken the sauce if needed?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or add a slurry made from flour and cold water before gently simmering again.

→ Is it important to fully cook the chicken first?

Yes, fully cooking the chicken ensures it’s tender and safe. Adding it back to the sauce helps infuse additional flavor without overcooking.

→ What garnishes complement the dish best?

Chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan enhance the flavors with bright herbal notes and slight salty richness.