Description
Chicken Penne Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—all made in one pot!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup tomato paste or sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to blend with the garlic and oil.
- Make it Creamy: Add the heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Mix in Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Cook until the chicken is warmed through.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked penne pasta and mozzarella cheese to the pot, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce along with the cream.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
This dish is also great with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 28g