Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta Recipe
There’s something magical about chicken alfredo penne pasta that makes it a favorite for busy families and pasta lovers alike. This creamy, comforting dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich and creamy pasta sauce, creating a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
The buttery, garlicky sauce clings to every tube of pasta, giving each bite a flavorful punch. It’s a true weeknight chicken pasta dinner winner that feels like a restaurant dish but is easy enough to make at home. Perfect for serving with a fresh salad or garlic bread, this comfort food pasta will impress everyone.
What Is Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta?
Chicken alfredo with penne pasta is a creamy Italian inspired dish made using tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich and creamy pasta sauce. This italian style chicken alfredo combines heavy cream with grated parmesan cheese for a true restaurant style alfredo sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
You get juicy flavor when juicy pan seared chicken meets chicken pasta in white sauce. The ridged penne holds the sauce better than smooth pasta. This creates a homemade alfredo sauce with chicken experience that tastes better than most takeout dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe
To prepare chicken alfredo with penne pasta you’ll need boneless chicken breast, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, butter and garlic, and italian seasoning. Add salt to taste and black pepper for balance. This combination builds a strong base for a smooth creamy parmesan sauce.
When you mix warm dairy with pasta water on medium heat you get a thick cheesy cream sauce pasta texture. These simple items turn basic tender chicken breast pasta into a filling meal that feels like a homemade restaurant favorite.
Best Type of Penne Pasta for Alfredo Sauce
Chicken alfredo with penne pasta works best with penne rigate because its ridges trap the creamy white sauce. This helps combine pasta and chicken in every bite without losing flavor. Smooth penne doesn’t grip the rich and creamy pasta sauce the same way.
In many USA kitchens penne is preferred for garlic butter chicken pasta recipes. The tube shape captures sauce from the inside which improves restaurant style alfredo sauce consistency. This makes every forkful rich creamy and satisfying.
| Pasta Type | Sauce Grip | Texture Result |
| Penne Rigate | High | Creamy |
| Smooth Penne | Medium | Light |
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Start chicken alfredo with penne pasta by heating olive oil on medium heat then add sliced boneless chicken breast. Season with salt to taste and black pepper then cook until golden. Make sure you cook chicken evenly for safe and juicy results.
Next add butter and garlic then pour in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer the sauce slowly. Add cooked penne pasta and combine pasta and chicken using reserved pasta water for a smooth finish.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Alfredo Sauce Every Time
For better chicken alfredo with penne pasta always keep dairy warm before mixing. Cold milk can break your creamy parmesan sauce quickly. Stir gently while you simmer the sauce to create a stable rich alfredo flavor.
Avoid overheating the pan when making white sauce chicken pasta. High heat causes clumps in homemade alfredo sauce with chicken. Use low steady heat and let the cheese melt naturally for the best texture.
Variations You Can Try
Chicken alfredo with penne pasta becomes exciting when you turn it into grilled chicken alfredo pasta. You can also create a spicy version using seasoned tender chicken pieces for added flavor in your pasta dinner recipe.
Some cooks prefer mushrooms or spinach for extra depth in italian style chicken alfredo. Others enjoy Cajun seasoning to create a bold garlic butter chicken pasta twist for family dinners.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store chicken alfredo with penne pasta in an airtight container once cooled. The creamy white sauce stays fresh for three days in the fridge. Add a splash of milk before reheating to revive the rich and creamy pasta sauce.
Warm leftovers on medium heat slowly to avoid splitting. Stir often so the cheesy cream sauce pasta stays smooth during reheating.
What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta
Chicken alfredo with penne pasta pairs well with fresh salads and roasted vegetables. A simple side keeps the focus on your protein packed pasta and improves your weeknight chicken pasta dinner experience.
Garlic bread complements tender chicken breast pasta nicely. Many families also serve steamed broccoli beside comfort food pasta for balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking boneless chicken breast can dry your chicken alfredo with penne pasta quickly. Always cook in batches to keep juicy pan seared chicken tender and flavorful.
Using low fat dairy may weaken the restaurant style alfredo sauce. Stick to heavy cream to maintain the proper texture in your homemade alfredo sauce with chicken.
Complete Ingredient Details for Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta
Serving: 1 Serving | Boneless Chicken Breast: 150g | Cooked Penne Pasta: 1 cup | Heavy Cream: 1 cup | Whole Milk: ½ cup | Butter and Garlic: 4 tbsp butter + 2 minced cloves | Olive Oil: 1 tbsp | Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1½ cups | Italian Seasoning: ½ tsp | Salt to Taste: ¼ tsp | Black Pepper: ¼ tsp | Nutmeg (Optional): A pinch | Pasta Water: ½ cup reserved | Cooking Temperature: Medium Heat
Use warm dairy while you simmer the sauce so the creamy white sauce stays smooth. After you cook chicken evenly into tender chicken pieces gently combine pasta and chicken to lock in that rich alfredo flavor for this perfect protein packed pasta dinner.
Nutrition Information
Chicken alfredo with penne pasta is filling and rich. This protein packed pasta offers energy and helps muscle repair when made with tender chicken pieces.
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 540mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich.
2. What’s the best chicken cut for Alfredo pasta?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tender, juicy pieces.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free penne pasta instead of regular pasta.
4. How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?
Always use low-medium heat and stir constantly while adding cheese to warm cream.
5. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook chicken and pasta separately and store, then combine with sauce just before serving.
