Embarking on a culinary adventure with *Chicken And Penne Recipes* can be an exciting journey for both novice and experienced cooks alike. These recipes offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate dish to impress your guests, there's a *Chicken And Penne Recipe* that will suit your needs.
Why Choose Chicken And Penne Recipes?
Chicken and penne pasta is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with al dente penne pasta. The combination of these two ingredients creates a hearty meal that can be customized with a variety of sauces, vegetables, and spices. Here are a few reasons why *Chicken And Penne Recipes* are a great choice:
- Versatility: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Ease of Preparation: Most *Chicken And Penne Recipes* are straightforward and require minimal cooking skills.
- Nutritional Value: Chicken is a lean protein source, and penne pasta provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of chicken and pasta is generally well-liked by both adults and children.
Classic Chicken And Penne Recipe
Let's start with a classic *Chicken And Penne Recipe* that you can make in under an hour. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
- If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍽️ Note: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth.
Creamy Chicken And Penne Recipe
For those who prefer a richer, creamier sauce, this *Chicken And Penne Recipe* is a must-try. The creamy Alfredo sauce complements the chicken and penne beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍽️ Note: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk and add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Spicy Chicken And Penne Recipe
If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, this spicy *Chicken And Penne Recipe* is perfect for you. The addition of red pepper flakes and jalapeños gives it a kick that will satisfy your spice cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, jalapeño, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍽️ Note: If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the jalapeño and red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used.
Vegetarian Chicken And Penne Recipe
For those who follow a vegetarian diet, you can still enjoy a delicious *Chicken And Penne Recipe* by using plant-based chicken alternatives. This recipe is just as satisfying and flavorful as the traditional version.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz/340g) plant-based chicken strips
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the plant-based chicken strips and cook until heated through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked plant-based chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍽️ Note: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth.
Chicken And Penne Recipe Variations
One of the best things about *Chicken And Penne Recipes* is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
Chicken And Penne With Spinach
Add a handful of fresh spinach to the skillet when you add the chicken back in. Cook until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the dish.
Chicken And Penne With Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth. This will add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
Chicken And Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet when you add the chicken back in. This will give the dish a tangy, sweet flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Artichoke Hearts
Add chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet when you add the chicken back in. This will give the dish a unique, slightly tangy flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Olives
Add chopped olives to the skillet when you add the chicken back in. This will give the dish a salty, briny flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Roasted Red Peppers
Add chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet when you add the chicken back in. This will give the dish a sweet, smoky flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Pesto
Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto when you add the chicken back in. This will give the dish a rich, herbaceous flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Alfredo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Chicken And Penne With Lemon And Herb Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a lemon and herb sauce. This will give the dish a bright, zesty flavor.
Chicken And Penne With BBQ Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a BBQ sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, smoky flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Buffalo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a buffalo sauce. This will give the dish a spicy, tangy flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Teriyaki Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a teriyaki sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, savory flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Curry Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a curry sauce. This will give the dish a rich, aromatic flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Marinara Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a marinara sauce. This will give the dish a rich, tomatoey flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Alfredo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Chicken And Penne With Lemon And Herb Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a lemon and herb sauce. This will give the dish a bright, zesty flavor.
Chicken And Penne With BBQ Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a BBQ sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, smoky flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Buffalo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a buffalo sauce. This will give the dish a spicy, tangy flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Teriyaki Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a teriyaki sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, savory flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Curry Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a curry sauce. This will give the dish a rich, aromatic flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Marinara Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a marinara sauce. This will give the dish a rich, tomatoey flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Alfredo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Chicken And Penne With Lemon And Herb Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a lemon and herb sauce. This will give the dish a bright, zesty flavor.
Chicken And Penne With BBQ Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a BBQ sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, smoky flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Buffalo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a buffalo sauce. This will give the dish a spicy, tangy flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Teriyaki Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a teriyaki sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, savory flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Curry Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a curry sauce. This will give the dish a rich, aromatic flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Marinara Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a marinara sauce. This will give the dish a rich, tomatoey flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Alfredo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Chicken And Penne With Lemon And Herb Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a lemon and herb sauce. This will give the dish a bright, zesty flavor.
Chicken And Penne With BBQ Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a BBQ sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, smoky flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Buffalo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a buffalo sauce. This will give the dish a spicy, tangy flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Teriyaki Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a teriyaki sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, savory flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Curry Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a curry sauce. This will give the dish a rich, aromatic flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Marinara Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a marinara sauce. This will give the dish a rich, tomatoey flavor.
Chicken And Penne With Alfredo Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Chicken And Penne With Lemon And Herb Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a lemon and herb sauce. This will give the dish a bright, zesty flavor.
Chicken And Penne With BBQ Sauce
Replace the tomato-based sauce with a BBQ sauce. This will give the dish a sweet, smoky flavor.
Chicken And Penne
Related Terms:
- baked creamy chicken penne pasta
- shredded chicken with penne pasta
- penne pasta with chicken breast
- italian chicken penne pasta recipes
- creamy parmesan chicken penne
- italian chicken and penne