Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne: Dinner Made Simple

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne! This dish is perfect for dinner when you’re looking for something quick and simple, yet incredibly flavorful. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and al dente penne pasta will have your taste buds begging for more. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 cups heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Penne:

– 8 oz penne pasta

– Salt for boiling water

Steps

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne:

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, or until golden brown.

– Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

– Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it 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, or until fragrant.

– Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

– Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

– 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 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.

Variations

There are endless possibilities for customizing this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetable Alfredo Penne:

– Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the Alfredo sauce.

– Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the sauce for added flavor and texture.

Spicy Chicken Alfredo Penne:

– Add some heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.

– Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning or your favorite spicy rub.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne turns out perfectly every time:

– Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

– For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.

– Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

– Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

– Allow the cooked pasta to cool slightly before adding it to the sauce to prevent it from becoming too sticky.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne is a simple yet satisfying dinner option that is sure to please the whole family. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, it’s a dish that will become a regular in your recipe rotation. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne works well in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the flavors will still be delicious if made ahead of time, the sauce may thicken upon reheating. If necessary, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.