Easy Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta Recipe in 20 Minutes

Chicken alfredo penne pasta is a recipe that will make your taste senses dance with ecstasy! For good cause, this Italian-American beloved has won hearts all across. Imagine soft chicken curled around al dente penne, all hugged by a silky, creamy sauce. It is, at its best, comfort cuisine.

The best part is that you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen laboring to create this crowd-pleaser. For harried chefs, our simple chicken alfredo dish is revolutionary. You will have a restaurant-quality lunch on the table in twenty minutes. You did indeed read correctly—20 minutes!

I recall making this fast chicken alfredo penne for the first time. When I came out of the kitchen so quickly, carrying a hot tray of flawless creamy pasta, my dinner guests were astounded. With the first mouthful, their doubts became ecstasy. 

Now, let’s get down to business and talk about how you can cook with my simple chicken alfredo penne pasta recipes. This penne chicken alfredo pasta recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta

Let’s get to the heart of our chicken Alfredo Penne pasta—the ingredients! Unlike other variations, my chicken penne pasta with alfredo sauce offers a perfect balance of tender chicken and creamy richness.

Here’s what you’ll need:

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Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Let’s now focus on substitutes. Can’t find penne? Linguine or fettuccine go really nicely. To get a lighter version, substitute half the cream for milk. The protagonist of our creamy Alfredo sauce is cheese parmesan. 

I once made the mistake of using pre-grated cheese; trust me, freshly grated cheese changes everything. It melts easily to produce the soft texture we so much want.

Remember that all the difference is in quality components. Spend extra on that block of Parmigiano-Reggiano; your taste receptors will thank you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s start our chicken Alfredo Penne pasta journey! Along the way, I’ll walk you through each step and reveal some chef’s secrets so you can larn how to make chicken alfredo penne pasta effortlessly.

Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta

Recipe by MarcusDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

650

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
• Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
• Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne and chicken to the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
• Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta types like fettuccine or linguine.
• For a lighter version, replace half the cream with milk.
• Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

Cooking the Pasta

Start by rolling and boiling a big pot of salted water. Add your penne pasta and simmer until al dente, eight to ten minutes. Here’s a pro tip: Set aside one cup of pasta water before emptying. This starchy liquid is essential for subsequent variations in sauce consistency.

Preparing the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, let’s attack the chicken. Cut skinless, boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Drizzle with salt and pepper. About five to six minutes, heat a big pan over medium-high, add a splash of olive oil, and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Crafting the Alfredo Sauce

Now, let me introduce the show’s star: our creamy Alfredo sauce. Add minced garlic and sauté for thirty seconds in the same skillet you cooked the chicken in. 

Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. This creamy chicken alfredo penne pasta recipe ensures a luscious and smooth sauce every time. When melted and smooth, gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese.

Bringing It All Together

Toss the cooked chicken and penne into the pan with the sauce. If the sauce seems overly thick, add some of the conserved pasta water to get your preferred consistency. Season for depth with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg.

Time-saving Tips

Try these ideas to make this an authentic 20-minute dinner:

• Use pre-cut chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Choose a one-pot approach and cook pasta straight in the sauce to cut down on dishes and produce a creamier outcome.
• Grate cheese in advance and store in the fridge.

Perfect consistency depends on patience, as you remember. Do not rush the cheese-melting process; let the sauce slowly boil. 

Thanks to these instructions and tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken Alfredo penne pasta on your table in no time!

Ready to elevate your pasta night? Try our Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta recipe tonight and savor the rich flavors!

Customizing Your Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta

Let’s discuss how you can make your own chicken alfredo penne pasta. Customizing this traditional meal is a great way to fit your dietary requirements and taste sensations.

Savvy vegetarians, welcome! Including veggies not only increases nutrition but also brings pleasing textures and tastes. 

A popular choice is broccoli; its soft florets wonderfully absorb the creamy sauce. For a nutritious boost, consider making chicken alfredo penne pasta with broccoli, adding both flavor and health benefits. 

For an added twist, try chicken alfredo with penne noodles and your favorite vegetables. Gently steam it, then discard it at the end. Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy bite, sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or vibrant bell peppers for a sweet crunch are other excellent choices.

Are you looking to improve the taste sensation? For a rich, mellow garlic aroma, try roasting whole garlic cloves and mashing them into the sauce. A dash of red pepper flakes can provide a subdued spice; a drop of white wine in the sauce lends a sophisticated touch.

For a healthy variation, think about using milk blended with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for heavy cream. Pasta made from whole wheat or chickpeas increases fiber counts. For a protein-packed, low-carb variation, cut the pasta and boost the chicken and vegetable counts.

Remember that cooking is really an experimental process. Mix it with whatever you like to produce your own unique chicken alfredo penne spaghetti!

Serving and Presentation

Cooking your chicken Alfredo penne pasta is only one aspect; presentation and serving are equally vital. Apart from looking good, a well-plated meal improves the dining experience. These suggestions can help you improve your presentations and matching choices.

Plating Suggestions

Present the creamy chicken Alfredo Penne pasta liberally in the middle of a heated, shallow bowl. With a fork, twist the spaghetti into a lovely nest so the chicken chunks lie on top.

For that added richness, drizzle some sauce over the chicken. Over the meal, toss freshly cut parsley or basil for a splash of color. This adds a sharply vibrant green contrast to the thick, creamy sauce.

Recommended Side Dishes

Match your spaghetti with a light side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. 

Another staple is garlic bread; its crispness perfectly balances the Alfredo sauce’s smoothness. If you’re feeling daring, sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus will provide a healthy accent.

Garnishing Ideas

Think about sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese to improve taste and visual appeal. A few well-placed shavings will elevate your meal to gourmet. 

Red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper can add a sophisticated and slightly spicy touch. If you want to impress, serve with a lemon wedge on the side; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brilliantly accentuates the food.

Your chicken Alfredo Penne pasta will taste great and look like it belongs in a five-star restaurant with these serving suggestions! Savor every morsel.

Craving a comforting meal? Discover how easy it is to make Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce at home with our special recipes!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

For hectic weeknights, making chicken Alfredo Penne spaghetti ahead of time can literally save lives. Here’s how to do it, together with ideas for storage and reheating to keep your food tasting great.

Preparing Components in Advance

Earlier in the day, you might prepare the spaghetti and chicken. Just season and sauté the chicken till browned; then leave it aside. 

Cook the penne al dente, drain, and mix them with enough olive oil to help them not stick. Till you’re ready to prepare the sauce, keep both in sealed containers in the refrigerator.

Proper Storage Methods

Chicken Alfredo penne pasta stored properly should keep for three to four days in the refrigerator. Maintaining freshness, use sealed containers. 

Do not panic if you find the sauce thickens as it sits. To bring back its creamy texture, reheat, adding a dash of milk or broth.

Freezing and Reheating Guidelines

It’s not advisable to freeze chicken Alfredo Penne pasta. Thawing causes the creamy sauce to split, producing a less-than-appealing texture. Instead, give leftovers top priority for refrigeration. 

Reheat in a pan on low heat, adding a little liquid to soften the sauce. Stirring now and then will help to warm through. Microwaving also works; just keep in mind that optimal results depend on adding a dash of milk or cream.

These ideas allow you to enjoy your chicken Alfredo pasta at any time without compromising on taste!

Final Thoughts

The chicken Alfredo Penne pasta is a delightful blend of simplicity and taste, capable of transforming every dinner into a memorable occasion.

Make this simple chicken Alfredo dish at home without delay! Try many veggies, meats, or spices to find your best variants. Cooking should be both artistic and joyful, so allow your imagination to roam freely.

I am interested in your experiences with this dish. Have you attempted any original tweaks or turns? Enjoy every mouthful of your homemade chicken Alfredo Penne pasta, and happy cooking!

FAQs about Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta

Let’s answer some often-asked questions regarding chicken Alfredo Penne pasta. These tips will enable you to improve your meal and investigate new variants regardless of your level of experience in the kitchen.