Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

If there’s one dish that can instantly transport you to comfort food heaven, it’s Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta. Imagine tender bites of chicken, golden mushrooms, and crisp asparagus, all swirled together with perfectly cooked penne and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce. It’s cozy, quick enough for any busy weeknight, and every forkful delivers that irresistible blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe truly knows how to make an ordinary dinner feel extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to swoon-worthy Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is good ingredients, prepared simply. Every element in this recipe plays a part—whether it’s boosting flavor depth, adding irresistible creaminess, or creating that eye-catching pop of color.

• Penne pasta: Its tubular shape soaks up all the creamy sauce, making every bite perfectly coated.
• Chicken breast: Go boneless and skinless for easy prep; it cooks up tender and juicy in no time.
• Mushrooms: Sliced thick, mushrooms add a meaty, earthy note that pairs so well with chicken and cream.
• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus brings brightness and a crisp-tender texture that balances out the richness of the dish.
• Olive oil: A good, fruity olive oil helps brown the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
• Garlic powder: This pantry staple infuses each bite with mellow, savory warmth—no mincing needed!
• Onion powder: It gives subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the flavor base fast.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste—these basics make all the other flavors shine.
• Heavy cream: The foundation of your luscious sauce—don’t skimp, nothing else gets you that silky texture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melty, Parmesan ties the whole thing together like magic—keep a little extra for serving!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your penne pasta and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, always following the package instructions for best results. Before draining, don’t forget to scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water—this little step comes in handy for adjusting the final sauce. Drain the rest and set your pasta aside; you’re well on your way to Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta bliss.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss the diced chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the chicken pieces out and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. The seasonings work their magic here, infusing the chicken with flavor that will star in every bite.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add your sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces straight into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and let it all sizzle for about 3–4 minutes. You want the mushrooms to soften and brown just a bit, and the asparagus to stay vibrantly green and a touch crisp—building layers of flavor and color the Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is known for.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Now it’s time for the magic touch: pour the heavy cream into your skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Keep things moving every so often to prevent any sticking or scorching. The cream will happily absorb all those savory pan flavors and start bubbling into a rich sauce.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Adjust

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted into the sauce, making it shiny and irresistibly creamy. If the sauce gets a bit dense, just add a splash of your reserved pasta water and stir. This step is where that signature Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta sauce comes together, balancing out the richness with extra silkiness.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Gently add your cooked penne to the skillet, tossing everything to coat the pasta with sauce and meld all the fabulous textures. Let it heat through for just one more minute—the pasta will soak up just enough flavor, and the whole dish comes alive with rich, savory aroma.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Transfer your Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta to plates or a family-style bowl. Bring extra Parmesan to the table so everyone can add as much as they like. Serve up quickly while everything’s steamy and at the peak of creamy deliciousness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Garnishes

Top your Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with a shower of extra grated Parmesan for even more richness. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and a kick of freshness. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few twists of cracked black pepper will never go amiss.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a star all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm buttery garlic bread really takes it to the next level. A simple tomato and cucumber salad or a side of roasted vegetables can round out the meal, offering some lightness alongside the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your guests by serving Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta in shallow pasta bowls or even rustic skillets for a cozy, bistro feel. Add lemon wedges to the plate for a zesty twist, or toss in a handful of arugula just before serving for extra color and peppery freshness. If you’re serving family-style, garnish the whole platter so everyone can dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mingle and deepen as it chills, making for some fabulous next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to stock up for a rainy day, you can absolutely freeze Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta. Cool the pasta completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to its creamy glory, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream, chicken broth, or even a touch of milk. This helps revive the sauce and makes it just as luscious as when first made—give it a good stir and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne’s tubular shape is perfect for catching that creamy sauce, feel free to substitute rotini, rigatoni, or even farfalle, depending on what you have in your pantry.

Is it possible to make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta lighter?

Yes! You can swap some or all of the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Add a little extra Parmesan if you want to boost flavor without extra cream.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Omit the chicken and double up on the veggies—or add in your favorite meatless protein, such as chickpeas or cubes of sautéed tofu. You’ll still get all the creamy, savory goodness.

What other vegetables work well in this recipe?

Broccoli florets, spinach, bell peppers, or peas are all fantastic choices for mixing things up. Just add them in place of the asparagus, adjusting the cook time as needed so everything stays crisp-tender.

Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?

If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra cream to loosen it. If it seems too thin, keep it simmering gently until it reduces to your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, delicious, and seriously satisfying, Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta always delivers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—so grab your ingredients and treat yourself tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!

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