Description
This creamy chicken penne pasta dish is a hearty and satisfying recipe, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked; remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot, then add uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is almost al dente.
- Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the pasta, and simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Gradually add parmesan cheese while stirring to melt smoothly.
- Let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes, then garnish with additional parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg