Are you craving a comforting and delicious pasta dish that’s ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Creamy Chicken Penne recipe is a weeknight winner. I used to struggle with achieving a perfectly smooth cream sauce, constantly battling clumps. But after discovering a simple chef’s secret, my cream sauces are now consistently silky, luxurious, and utterly irresistible. Get ready to say goodbye to clumpy sauces forever!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Penne
This Creamy Chicken Penne is more than just a quick meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Unbelievably Creamy Sauce: The secret technique ensures a smooth, clump-free sauce every time.
- Flavor-Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor, complementing the savory chicken and creamy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under an hour.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences with different vegetables or cheeses.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This creamy pasta is the ultimate comfort food, satisfying and delicious.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Penne
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. This creamy chicken penne achieves a delightful balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect dish, from the tender chicken to the rich and creamy sauce.
- 1 pound penne pasta: Penne’s ridges are perfect for capturing all that delicious sauce. You can also use other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Opt for chicken breasts for a lean protein source. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for sautéing the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. It adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems add a concentrated burst of tomato flavor and a delightful chewiness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano provides a warm, slightly peppery note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Using chicken broth is key for deglazing the pan and creating the base of our flavorful sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so incredibly rich and creamy. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Penne: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delectable Creamy Chicken Penne. The most important element is achieving that perfectly smooth, clump-free sauce, so pay close attention to the technique in step six. Let’s get cooking!
- Cook the penne pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water – this starchy water is liquid gold and can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This infuses the chicken with flavor and helps it to brown nicely in the next step.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Bloom the sun-dried tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant. This step helps to release their intense flavor and soften them slightly.
- Deglaze the pan: This is a crucial step for building flavor! Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to your sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it’s slightly reduced. Deglazing is what separates a bland sauce from a truly delicious one!
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low. This is important to prevent the cream from scorching or curdling. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened. This should take about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Patience is key here – don’t rush the process, and keep stirring to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the luscious sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the Creamy Chicken Penne immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Penne Every Time
Want to take your Creamy Chicken Penne to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure perfection every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just cooked through, about 165°F (74°C).
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a superior flavor.
- Control the Heat: Keep the heat on low when adding the cream and cheese to prevent the sauce from curdling or scorching.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or spinach to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Penne
This Creamy Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple side salad, such as our Roasted Sweet Potato Chicken Power Bowl recipe, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or garlic bread.
Your Creamy Chicken Penne Questions Answered (FAQ)
Got questions about making Creamy Chicken Penne? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and achieve pasta perfection:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a classic choice for this dish, you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even cavatappi. The key is to choose a pasta shape with ridges or nooks and crannies that will hold onto the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While Creamy Chicken Penne is best served immediately, you can prepare certain components ahead of time. For example, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and pasta, and then proceed with making the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of pasta water to thin it out before serving.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Penne?
While you can freeze Creamy Chicken Penne, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen, so the sauce may not be as smooth and creamy as it was originally. If you do choose to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring frequently. You may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s original consistency. Alternatively, you might enjoy this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole instead, for something that freezes well.
My sauce is too thick. What should I do?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time, stirring constantly, until you reach the desired consistency. The starchy pasta water will help to thin out the sauce without compromising its flavor.
My sauce is too thin. What should I do?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it gently over low heat for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens up to your liking. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce to help thicken it. Just be sure to whisk the slurry into the sauce thoroughly and simmer for a minute or two until it thickens.
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Chicken Penne!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Creamy Chicken Penne that’s guaranteed to banish clumpy sauces forever! This dish is not only incredibly delicious and comforting but also quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Creamy Chicken Penne turned out. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Penne (No More Clumpy Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced. Deglazing is the key to unlocking tons of flavor and ensuring your sauce isn’t bland!
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.