![- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make a great Creamy Chicken Penne, gather all your ingredients. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. You need penne pasta, which gives a nice bite. The chicken adds protein and flavor, while garlic and onion boost the taste. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes give color and nutrition. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds that savory touch. Don't forget salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to round out the flavors. Check the Full Recipe for a detailed guide. Having all these ingredients ready makes cooking easy and fun! First, you need to cook the penne pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. I like mine al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, focus on the chicken and vegetables. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of cubed, boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is done, add 1 small diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these together until the onion is soft and see-through, about 3-4 minutes. Now it's time to make the creamy sauce. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts. Lower the heat and add the cooked penne pasta. Mix well so each piece of pasta gets coated in that rich sauce. Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the sauce creamy and delicious. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. For the full recipe, don’t forget to check the complete list of steps! To make your sauce rich and smooth, start with quality heavy cream. The cream adds a velvety texture. Stir it in slowly, allowing it to combine well with the chicken broth. This helps create a thick and creamy sauce. Always taste as you go. If it needs more flavor, a pinch of salt or pepper can make a big difference. For juicy chicken, cut it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it tender and moist. Don't rush this step; it makes your dish shine. Plan your steps to save time. Start by boiling the penne pasta. While that cooks, chop your garlic, onion, and other ingredients. After draining the pasta, focus on the chicken. Cook it, then add the onion and garlic. This method keeps everything fresh. You will have a hot, ready meal in just 30 minutes. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this creamy chicken penne! For the full recipe, check out the recipe card above. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the nutrition of Creamy Chicken Penne by adding more veggies. Some great options include: - Bell peppers - Mushrooms - Zucchini - Broccoli Chop them up and sauté them with the chicken. This adds color and flavor. More vegetables make the dish healthy and tasty. If you want to change the protein, try these options: - Shrimp - Tofu - Turkey - Sausage Each protein brings a unique taste. Shrimp works well with the creamy sauce. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. You may want more or less creaminess in your dish. To increase creaminess, add more heavy cream or cheese. If you want it lighter, use less cream or swap for low-fat milk. This way, you can enjoy Creamy Chicken Penne just how you like it. To store your creamy chicken penne, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. You can keep it in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you are ready to eat, reheat the creamy chicken penne gently. Use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir well as you heat. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. You can freeze creamy chicken penne, but it’s best to do this before adding the cheese. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove and add cheese just before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Yes, you can make Creamy Chicken Penne in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store each in airtight containers. When ready to serve, heat the sauce on low. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try whole milk mixed with butter. Use three parts milk to one part melted butter. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Another choice is coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Each option gives a slightly different taste. To add spice to your Creamy Chicken Penne, use crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and add more for heat. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a different flavor, try smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This creamy chicken penne is easy and delicious. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to chicken. You learned how to cook everything step by step. I shared tips to make the sauce perfect and ideas for variations. Plus, I included storage tips for leftovers. Now, you can enjoy this dish your way. Make it for friends or family. Follow these steps for a tasty meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/40326a1f-2189-46d2-a521-9ace4c91b1d5-250x250.webp)
Creamy Chicken Penne
Indulge in a deliciously creamy chicken penne that’s perfect for a cozy dinner! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes with a rich sauce that clings to every bite of penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Click through to explore this creamy chicken penne recipe and make dinnertime unforgettable!