Have you ever dreamt of a luscious, creamy pasta dish, only to be met with a watery, disappointing sauce? It’s a common kitchen woe, but I’m here to tell you that perfect creamy chicken penne is absolutely achievable! This recipe delivers a thick, rich sauce every single time, coating each piece of penne and tender chicken in a blanket of flavor. The secret? A simple technique that will transform your pasta game forever.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Penne
This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a guaranteed success story. Here’s why you’ll be making this creamy chicken penne again and again:
- Perfectly Creamy Sauce: Say goodbye to watery sauces! Our secret ensures a thick, luscious consistency.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: This creamy chicken penne is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Penne
Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this creamy chicken penne lies in the synergy of simple, high-quality components. Each element plays a crucial role in building the rich, savory, and comforting flavor we’re aiming for. We will start with pasta and the chicken.
- Penne Pasta: One pound of penne pasta is the perfect vessel for this creamy sauce. Its ridges and tubular shape capture every delicious drop. Feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We need 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer, more flavorful option.
Now, let’s gather the ingredients that create the amazing sauce.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon of good-quality olive oil to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. We use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Half a cup of sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth to the sauce. Cremini or button mushrooms work well.
- Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic provide a pungent, aromatic base.
- Chicken Broth: One cup of chicken broth is the key to creating a flavorful and emulsified sauce.
- Heavy Cream: One cup of heavy cream is what gives the sauce its richness and luxurious texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and savory dimension to the sauce.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant and fresh garnish.
Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Penne: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish? Don’t be intimidated! The secret to this Creamy Chicken Penne is all about technique. We’re going to take it step by step, and I’ll share tips along the way to ensure your success. The most important part is reducing the chicken broth, don’t skip that part!
- Cook the Penne: Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions. The key is to cook it al dente – slightly firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy in the sauce. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; the starch on the surface helps the sauce cling better.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This is your opportunity to build a solid flavor foundation. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. This step is all about developing flavor and creating a beautiful sear on the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; don’t discard those flavorful browned bits in the pan!
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. This allows their earthy flavors to deepen. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- The Secret to a Thick Sauce: Reduce the Chicken Broth! This is where the magic happens. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is crucial for both flavor and thickening. Let the broth reduce by half. This concentrates the flavor and creates a base that will properly emulsify with the cream. Be patient; this step is worth it!
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Do not boil the sauce, as this can cause the cream to separate. The goal is a luscious, smooth, and velvety sauce.
- Combine and Coat: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly in the creamy goodness. Make sure every piece of pasta is lovingly embraced by the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Penne Every Time
Want to take your creamy chicken penne from good to amazing? Here are a few pro tips to ensure success:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key! Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold its shape.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a superior flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken, and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference.
- Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Spice it up: You can also enjoy a creamy sausage and bell pepper pasta by replacing the chicken with Italian sausage.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Penne
This Creamy Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Your Creamy Chicken Penne Questions Answered (FAQ)
Why is my creamy pasta sauce always watery?
The most common reason for a watery cream sauce is not reducing the liquid sufficiently before adding the cream. In this recipe, we reduce the chicken broth by half to concentrate its flavor and create a stable base for the cream to emulsify with. Another factor is overheating the cream, which can cause it to separate and become thin.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While you can use milk, the sauce will be significantly thinner and less rich. For best results, stick with heavy cream. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but be mindful that it will still be less thick than using heavy cream.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While Creamy Chicken Penne is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up when reheating. If you are looking for a recipe that is delicious even the next day, try our cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole easy comfort food!
How long does creamy chicken penne last in the fridge?
Properly stored, Creamy Chicken Penne will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Chicken Penne!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Creamy Chicken Penne that guarantees a thick, luscious sauce every single time! This is one of those recipes that becomes an instant favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting and satisfying meal. Now it’s your turn to try it! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends!
Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta (No More Watery Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Now for the trick that prevents watery sauce: Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is crucial for flavor and thickening. Let the broth reduce by half. This concentrates the flavor and creates a base that will properly emulsify with the cream.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Do not boil.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.