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Creamy Chicken Penne

Creamy Chicken Penne

Discover the ultimate comfort with Creamy Chicken Penne, a quick 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt & black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Tongs or a slotted spoon
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Lower heat and add cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  7. Add cooked penne and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes to marry flavors.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let cheese sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking for smooth melting. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add fresh ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat gently with a bit of cream or broth to reclaim creaminess.
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