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- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The penne pasta gives the dish its shape. The chicken adds protein and makes it filling. Olive oil helps cook the chicken. Onion and garlic bring great flavor. For the sauce, crushed tomatoes form a rich base. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Dried basil and oregano add Italian flair. Red pepper flakes can kick up the spice, if you like. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley brightens the meal and adds color. Grated Parmesan cheese on top is a must for added richness. Get everything ready, and let’s make a delicious Chicken Penne Alla Vodka! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Fill a big pot with water. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavor. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. 3. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook it until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. 4. Check the pasta after about 10-12 minutes. 5. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander. 6. Set the pasta aside while you cook the chicken and make the sauce. 1. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Once warm, add the diced chicken breast. 3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. This step adds great flavor. 4. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until golden brown and fully cooked. 5. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. 1. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. 2. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it is soft and translucent. 3. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Stir often to avoid burning. 4. Carefully pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. 5. Next, add the heavy cream and stir well. 6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. 7. Add the dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. 8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. 2. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. 3. Use tongs to gently toss the pasta and chicken together. 4. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. 1. Once mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. 2. Taste and adjust the seasoning again if needed. 3. Serve the pasta hot in bowls. 4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. 5. For a nice look, twirl the pasta on the plate and let the chicken pieces show on top. Cooking penne pasta to al dente is key. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. This texture holds up well in the sauce. It gives a nice bite when you eat it. To avoid burning garlic, always keep the heat low. Garlic cooks fast, so watch it closely. Stir it often to keep it from browning too much. You can adjust the spice level in this dish easily. If you want more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. For less heat, cut back on them. Using fresh herbs gives a bright flavor. Fresh basil and parsley can make a big difference. Dried herbs work well too, but fresh has a stronger taste. A non-stick skillet is great for sautéing the chicken. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Use a good set of tongs for mixing. They help toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce evenly. A large spoon works well too for serving. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the penne pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor profile of your dish; consider adding them just before serving for a burst of freshness. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; start with less and add more if desired. Garnish Generously: A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese not only enhances presentation but also adds flavor to each bite. {{image_4}} To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. I suggest using bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add tofu for protein. Dice the tofu into cubes and sauté it in olive oil. Cook it until golden, just like the chicken. Then follow the same steps for the sauce and pasta. This keeps all the flavors while being plant-based. If you want a twist, try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. For shrimp, cook them for about 3-4 minutes until pink. If using sausage, slice it and sauté until browned. Adjust cooking times based on the protein. Shrimp cooks quickly, while sausage may need more time to reach the right temperature. Just ensure everything is fully cooked before combining with the pasta. For a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will cut down on calories but still keep it creamy. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Adding different cheeses, like mozzarella or goat cheese, can enhance the flavor too. Just melt them into the sauce for a creamy texture and rich taste. To keep your chicken penne fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. Leftovers can last up to three days. If you want to freeze chicken penne, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For best results, reheat on the stove. Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth. When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. Use a skillet over medium heat instead. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can add a bit of water or cream to revive the sauce. This enhances the flavor and keeps it creamy. Enjoy your meal as if it were freshly made! To cook penne pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Yes, you can make Chicken Penne Alla Vodka in advance. Cook the dish, and let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. To make the sauce less creamy, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream. Use just half a cup instead of a full cup. You can also add more crushed tomatoes to balance the flavors. Another option is to substitute some cream with chicken broth. This will keep the sauce rich but lighter. If you want lighter alternatives to heavy cream, consider using whole milk or half-and-half. Greek yogurt can also work, but it may change the texture a bit. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings as needed to maintain the flavor. You now have a clear guide to make a tasty Chicken Penne dish. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and useful tips to enhance flavors. Remember to choose the right pasta texture and use fresh herbs for the best taste. Whether you tweak the protein or adjust the sauce, there’s always room for creativity. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to savor each bite!

Creamy Chicken Penne Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken and penne pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a sizable pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
  • Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream. Stir the mixture well to combine everything and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.
  • To enhance the flavors, add the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Using a pair of tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Once combined, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot, plating it generously in bowls. Finish by garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a hearty amount of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, twirl the pasta onto the plate and garnish with parsley.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta