Chicken Penne Pasta

Growing up, one of my favorite dishes was Chicken Penne Pasta. I remember the warmth of my family kitchen, filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of pasta cooking. Whenever I’d walk through the door after school, the rich smell hit me like a warm hug, drawing me closer to the stove. I loved how the pasta danced in the pot while the chicken and vegetables cooked to perfection. It was a dish that brought us together, no matter how busy our lives got. The way the creamy sauce clung to each piece of penne made every bite feel like a treat. I can’t help but smile at the memories of family dinners where we savored every forkful. Now, I want to share this joy with you, hoping it becomes a cherished recipe in your home as it has in mine.

Recipe Ingredients for Chicken Penne Pasta

Each ingredient in Chicken Penne Pasta has its role in creating a delightful dish. The harmony of flavors from the creamy sauce and the fresh ingredients makes every bite satisfying. I love how the pasta acts as a canvas, soaking up the delightful sauce while the chicken adds heartiness. Let’s take a look at the key players in this recipe.

• 2-1/2 cups penne pasta – This shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, coarsely chopped – These add a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced – They provide a lovely earthy taste and texture.
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken – You can use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken for ease.
• 2 cups baby spinach, packed – This adds a fresh taste and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – It melts beautifully, adding creaminess and depth.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Essential for creating the rich sauce base.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons flour – Used for thickening the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth – It enriches the sauce with flavor.
• 1 cup milk – I recommend whole milk for creaminess.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings everything together.
• 5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For a delicious topping.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh thyme (optional) – A lovely garnish with aromatic notes.

Chicken Penne Pasta Instructions

Making Chicken Penne Pasta is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Each step is easy to follow and will reward you with a delicious meal. Let’s dive in!

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 12 cups of water. This helps season the penne pasta as it cooks. Once it comes to a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, but remember to reduce the cooking time by one minute for a perfect al dente texture.
2. After cooking, drain the penne pasta and set it aside. Keep an eye on it while you prepare the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy.
3. In a large pan, heat over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Once the oil heats up, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly golden.
4. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes. The flavors will deepen, making your kitchen smell divine. Once done, remove the mushroom-tomato mixture from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add another tablespoon of sundried tomato oil along with the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture while whisking continuously for about a minute. This helps prevent any lumps from forming and creates a smooth base for your sauce.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking to combine, and then follow with the milk. Keep whisking as you bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Once the sauce reaches a nice consistency, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Italian seasoning and 5 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Take a moment to season with salt and pepper to taste; I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for a balanced flavor.
9. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked penne pasta, the sautéed mushrooms, chicken, and the packed spinach back into the pan. Toss everything together to ensure each piece is coated in that glorious sauce. Allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 1 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
10. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over everything for a cheesy finish. Give it a final stir to combine and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

There are countless ways to customize your Chicken Penne Pasta. Here are some suggestions to make it your own:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pasta before adding the sauce. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a meatless option.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese types, like mozzarella or pecorino, for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish even more.

Side Dish Ideas for Chicken Penne Pasta

When serving Chicken Penne Pasta, consider these delightful options to enhance your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients to your dinner plate.
• Antipasto Platter: Create a fun appetizer with cured meats, olives, and cheeses before your pasta dish.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a nutritious touch, and its crunch contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
• Seasonal Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate after a rich meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Penne Pasta is a dish that truly embodies comfort food. With its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, it creates a warm and inviting meal that everyone will love. No matter the occasion, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to your table. I encourage you to try it out and share it with your loved ones!

Chicken Penne Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Penne Pasta is creamy, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Packed with flavor from tender chicken and fresh ingredients, it makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-1/2 cups penne pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms thinly sliced
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken prepared/leftover rotisserie or grilled
• 2 cups baby spinach packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup milk I use whole
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• fresh thyme optional

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large pan

Method

 

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 12 cups of water. This helps season the penne pasta as it cooks. Once it comes to a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, but remember to reduce the cooking time by one minute for a perfect al dente texture.
2. After cooking, drain the penne pasta and set it aside. Keep an eye on it while you prepare the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy.
3. In a large pan, heat over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Once the oil heats up, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly golden.
4. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes. The flavors will deepen, making your kitchen smell divine. Once done, remove the mushroom-tomato mixture from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add another tablespoon of sundried tomato oil along with the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture while whisking continuously for about a minute. This helps prevent any lumps from forming and creates a smooth base for your sauce.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking to combine, and then follow with the milk. Keep whisking as you bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Once the sauce reaches a nice consistency, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Italian seasoning and 5 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Take a moment to season with salt and pepper to taste; I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for a balanced flavor.
9. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked penne pasta, the sautéed mushrooms, chicken, and the packed spinach back into the pan. Toss everything together to ensure each piece is coated in that glorious sauce. Allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 1 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
10. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over everything for a cheesy finish. Give it a final stir to combine and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Be sure to grab a block of Parmesan and grate it freshly. Use the small holes of a grater or a zester to grate. Gently pack in a measuring cup for an accurate measurement.
• Tip 2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Previous PostBuffalo Chicken

Next Post Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.