Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 2 large chicken breasts, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a tasty homemade treat, this recipe is a winner!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the rich, creamy sauce, made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, adds a wonderful flavor that will please any palate. Lastly, it uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, making it a convenient choice for busy nights.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Ingredients:

1 lb penne pasta
2 large chicken breasts, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted, and the sauce is creamy.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Serve this creamy dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, you can also serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, the best method is to warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth or cream based on your preference.

Variation

For a twist on this recipe, you can add vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce. You could also substitute the chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by using mushrooms instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni or fettuccine.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

3. Can I make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind the flavor and creaminess will be affected.