I’m so excited to share my Chicken Penne recipe with you! Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that just wraps you in a warm hug every time you take a bite. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly autumn evening, and I was searching for something cozy that would bring the family together. I had an urge to whip up something comforting, something that reminded me of my childhood kitchen filled with the tantalizing aromas of garlic and herbs.
You see, cooking has always been a bit like storytelling for me. Each ingredient is a character that plays a role in the tale of dinner that night. For Chicken Penne, the noodles are like the loyal sidekick, always there to catch the flavorful sauce, while the chicken brings in this beautiful heartiness that almost steals the show. The truth is, I stumbled upon this dish while trying to use up leftover chicken (don’t we all do this sometimes?). A haphazard combination of pantry staples turned into a family favorite that has since graced our dinner table countless times. Not everything we cook needs to be meticulously planned—sometimes, it’s the happy accidents that create the best memories, don’t you think?
Now, every time I make Chicken Penne, it’s not just about the food; it’s the laughter shared over how the cream sauce always turns out just a tad bit different each time, like that one neighbor who can’t keep a secret. It’s about those spontaneous kitchen dance parties as I stir and sing along with whatever hits the radio. Honestly, cooking this dish is like breathing life into a little bit of nostalgia. So, let me take you on a delicious journey through making Chicken Penne.
What Goes Into Chicken Penne?
Let’s break down what we’ll need for this scrumptious dish, shall we? Each ingredient plays its part wonderfully.
– **Penne Pasta**: The star of the show! I always go for whole wheat or regular penne, depending on my mood. The ridges of the penne hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every mouthful just divine. The key here is to cook it al dente; no one wants mushy pasta!
– **Chicken Breast**: Here’s the thing—chicken breast is my go-to. It’s super versatile and takes on flavors so well. If you have leftover roasted chicken, even better! Trust me, it can really cut down your prep time. A quick sear with salt and pepper is usually my game plan.
– **Olive Oil**: I swear by a good quality extra virgin **olive oil**. It brings that rich flavor that makes everything taste a bit more Italian. My Italian aunt used to say, “A dish is only as good as its oil.” So keep her wisdom in mind when you’re at the grocery store!
– **Garlic**: Oh, garlic; the magical ingredient that transforms everything. I use fresh garlic, minced to perfection, because nothing beats that pungent aroma wafting through the air. Just a little caution, though: you know you’ve got some powerful garlic when your hands smell like a little Italian village after you chop it.
– **Heavy Cream**: Now we’re getting to the indulgence part. A splash of **heavy cream** creates that luscious, silky texture. If you want, you can sub in half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but let’s be real; the cream is where the comforting comes in.
– **Parmesan Cheese**: You can’t forget the cheese! Freshly grated **Parmesan** elevates this dish from good to great, adding a nutty flavor that melts into the sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, go for aged Parmesan.
– **Spinach**: I love throwing in some fresh or frozen **spinach** to add a pop of color and a tiny bit of health—because balance, right? It wilted into the cream sauce like it was made for it.
– **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)**: This is where you can inject some personality into the dish! A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous. If I’m in the mood for something spicy, I sprinkle it in, and if the kids are eating, I often leave it out.
– **Salt & Pepper**: Simple but essential. Always seasoned to taste; you know what I mean?
Is Chicken Penne Actually Good for You?
Now, let’s be real for a second. Chicken Penne isn’t exactly a health food, but it’s all about balance! It’s rich and creamy, sure, but hey, we need comfort food in our lives, don’t we?
– The **chicken breast** is a lean protein, which means it’ll fill you up without weighing you down, keeping those hunger pangs at bay.
– Adding **spinach** sneaks in some vitamins and minerals, and I always imagine I’m doing my future self a favor, even if it’s just a handful.
– And let’s not forget about the **olive oil**, which has those healthy fats we hear about. It’s all about moderation, my friends.
So, while Chicken Penne may not make the “Superfoods” list, it’s a dish that brings joy! And sometimes, joy is just worth the calories.
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 12 oz **penne pasta** (about 4 servings)
– 2 boneless, skinless **chicken breasts**, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons **olive oil**
– 3 cloves of **garlic**, minced
– 1 cup **heavy cream**
– 1 cup freshly grated **Parmesan cheese**
– 2 cups fresh or frozen **spinach**
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Chicken Penne Step-by-Step
1. **Boil the Pasta**: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, toss in your **penne** and cook according to package directions until al dente—usually about 11-12 minutes. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain. Set aside.
2. **Cook the Chicken**: In a large skillet, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the bite-sized **chicken pieces**, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. I like to hear that sizzle—it’s like music to my ears!
3. **Add the Garlic**: Toss in your minced **garlic** and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful; we don’t want burnt garlic—trust me, it’s gross.
4. **Create the Sauce**: Pour in the **heavy cream** and let it come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens. Stir in the **Parmesan cheese** until it melts and the sauce thickens a bit. Feel free to adjust the thickness with that reserved pasta water if it gets too thick for your liking.
5. **Introduce the Spinach**: Add the **spinach** and stir until wilted. Watch it transform like it’s in a fairy tale! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure it’s heated through.
6. **Toss It All Together**: Finally, add the cooked **penne** to the skillet. Mix it up well, and taste it! This is the moment when you can decide if it needs more salt, pepper, or perhaps a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling daring.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**: Plate it up and enjoy! If you like, garnish with more **Parmesan** and perhaps a tiny drizzle of olive oil for that finishing touch.
Little Extras I’ve Learned Along the Way
Okay, my friend, let’s talk tips! Over the years and several delicious mishaps, I’ve gathered a few little extras to make your Chicken Penne experience even better:
– **Chicken Types**: If you’re in a hurry, using pre-cooked grilled chicken strips works just fine—there’s zero shame in my game! You could even throw in some shrimp if you’re feeling fancy.
– **Veggies Galore**: If you want to up the veggie game, feel free to toss in some diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even mushrooms! Remember that bold flavors are important, and they will complement the creaminess like a charm.
– **Cheese Plays**: For the cheese lovers out there, feel free to mix different cheeses—like ricotta or mozzarella—to give it a unique twist. One time, I experimented with smoked Gouda, and it added such an incredible depth of flavor.
– **Leftovers Oasis**: Chicken Penne makes for incredible leftovers! Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. Trust me—there’s something so satisfying about having delicious food waiting for you after a long day.
Now imagine coming home after a long day at work, your kitchen filled with the wistful scent of comfort food waiting for you—and that’s worth celebrating.
This one means a lot to me, and I hope you give it a try. It warms my heart to think of you in your kitchen, maybe dancing around just like I do, all while creating your own memories with this dish. So, if you give it a go, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear if you added your own twist or how it turned out for you.
