Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is the epitome of comfort food with its rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked chicken paired with al dente penne pasta. This dish offers a hearty yet simple meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With a creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, the combination of flavors is indulgent yet balanced. The addition of tender, seared chicken breast makes this dish a complete and filling meal that can be prepared in no time.
Full Recipe
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Penne:
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8 oz penne pasta
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Salt for boiling water
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Gently fold in the sliced chicken. Serve the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne hot and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrients per Serving
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne contains approximately:
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Calories: 600 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Protein: 34g
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Fat: 30g
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Saturated Fat: 18g
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Cholesterol: 95mg
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Sodium: 880mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 1200 IU
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Calcium: 290mg
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Iron: 2mg
Why Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is the Perfect Dinner Choice
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is a great dinner choice for anyone who enjoys comforting, rich pasta dishes. The creamy Alfredo sauce, with its decadent blend of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, adds depth of flavor while keeping the dish rich but not overwhelming. The penne pasta is the perfect vessel to hold the sauce, offering a nice bite and texture. The tender chicken slices add protein and make the dish hearty enough to serve as a full meal, while still being simple to prepare.
One of the reasons this dish is so popular is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences. If you prefer a lighter version, consider substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream or using whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. The creamy Alfredo sauce provides a perfect base for a variety of ingredients, making this a dish you can customize to suit anyone’s tastes.
Moreover, Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is a fantastic option for dinner parties or special occasions, as it is both elegant and easy to prepare. You can make the sauce ahead of time, saving you time when you’re ready to serve. The creamy, indulgent nature of the dish will make it a crowd favorite, ensuring your guests are well-fed and satisfied.
Customizing the Recipe
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are many ways to tailor it to your liking. For instance, you can add a kick of heat by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or tossing in some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the dish, consider tossing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes, which will enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the pasta.
For those who prefer a richer, more decadent meal, you can easily increase the amount of cheese in the Alfredo sauce. A handful of mozzarella cheese can add an extra layer of meltiness, while a bit of cream cheese will make the sauce even thicker and more luxurious.
If you’re gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep the dish lighter. Likewise, if you prefer a dairy-free version, you can swap out the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for coconut milk or a non-dairy cheese alternative to suit your needs.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is an excellent dish to make ahead of time, and it stores well in the refrigerator. Simply let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.
If you have leftover pasta, it also makes for a great lunch the next day. You can even freeze it if you want to store it for a longer period, but keep in mind that the sauce may thicken slightly upon reheating. Just add a little extra milk or cream to get the sauce back to its original creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is a versatile, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the perfect dinner for a family meal or a special occasion, and its easy preparation makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. The dish can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences, whether you’re looking for a lighter option or want to add more vegetables or protein.
With its creamy texture, savory chicken, and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with new ingredients, Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is always a satisfying and indulgent choice.