Delicious Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy, rich pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a velvety Alfredo sauce. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a smooth, indulgent sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken. This easy-to-make comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or a special family meal.
- Author: Mason Recipes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (optional).
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes for al dente).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg (optional) for extra depth of flavor.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the Alfredo sauce.
- Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Alfredo Penne hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
- You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to the dish for extra nutrition and color.
- If you don’t have penne pasta, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
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