Juicy chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce combine with al dente penne pasta, but the secret to perfecting this dish lies in...
Chicken Alfredo With Penne Pasta Recipe
I’ve crafted a mouthwatering Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta recipe that my family enjoys, and I think yours will too. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce.
I start by cooking penne pasta and seasoning bite-sized chicken pieces. Then, I sauté garlic, cook the chicken until golden, and simmer heavy cream with grated Parmesan. Once the sauce thickens, I toss the pasta in the skillet, allowing flavors to meld.
I use freshly grated Parmesan and reserve pasta water to adjust consistency for the best results. This versatile comfort food can be customized with variations like seafood or vegetarian options.
But there’s more to explore to perfect this satisfying meal, so stay with me.
Ingredients and Preparation
🍴 Serves
4
⏲ Prep Time
15 Minutes
⏲ Cook Time
25 Minutes
🎚 Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Toss the cooked penne into the skillet with the chicken and Alfredo sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Top Tips
- Reserve some pasta water; it’s the perfect way to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs or lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Keep an eye on the garlic while cooking; it can burn quickly, so stir frequently.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a delicious meat-free option.
- Seafood Alfredo: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Alfredo: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the sauce for added freshness.
- Pesto Penne: Mix in a few tablespoons of pesto for a vibrant flavor boost.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 670 |
| Total Fat | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Protein | 32g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This creamy Alfredo dish is rich and satisfying, but also high in calories and fat. Consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
To lighten the dish, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter.
Final Thoughts
Penne Alfredo is a classic Italian-American comfort food that brings warmth and richness to the dinner table. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it an incredibly satisfying and versatile meal. And the best part is my kids love it!
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, the combination of flavors and textures will surely please everyone. Try this delightful recipe and experience the flavors of Italy right in your kitchen!
Like This Chicken Alfredo Recipe? Want To See More?
Did you enjoy this Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta recipe? If so, then you might want to stop by again. I’m always adding more quick and easy recipes and videos here so you can try them out yourself.
And if you’ve got anything you’d like to add or comment on, let’s continue the conversation on social media. I’d love to hear from you.
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Til next time,
