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Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken

Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken

Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your dinner table. This delightful recipe combines tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. With its quick preparation time of just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with fresh vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, adding both nutrition and color. Plus, with the ease of one-pan cooking, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your delicious meal.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
  3. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken (5-6 minutes).
  5. Toss cooked penne into the skillet to coat in the sauce. Optionally add spinach or cherry tomatoes.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: To enhance flavor, feel free to adjust seasonings based on your preference. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free penne.

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