Easy chicken penne pasta recipes for busy weeknights
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As a busy parent, finding time to cook a tasty, healthy meal every night can be tough. But, with a few simple ingredients and smart cooking tips, you can make delicious chicken penne pasta dishes. These recipes are quick, flavorful, and ready in 35 minutes or less. They’re perfect for those crazy weeknights.
Key Takeaways
- Discover quick and delicious chicken penne pasta recipes perfect for busy weeknights.
- Learn simple cooking techniques to create restaurant-quality meals at home in just 35 minutes.
- Explore creamy chicken penne pasta and no-boil penne pasta casserole recipes, ideal for busy families.
- Recipes are loaded with protein, nutrients, and flavor, making them a satisfying and easy-to-prepare option.
- One-pan meals and time-saving benefits make these chicken penne pasta dishes a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Why Chicken Penne Pasta is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Chicken penne pasta is a quick and satisfying meal for weeknights. It’s fast, easy to make, and loved by everyone. This dish is perfect for a stress-free dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Time-Saving Benefits
Chicken penne pasta recipes are quick, ready in 35 minutes or less. The recipe we’ll share takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
One-Pan Cooking Advantage
Chicken penne pasta is great because it cooks in one pan. This means less cleanup and a faster cooking process. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Italian pasta dishes like chicken penne alfredo or penne pasta bake are loved by all. They offer tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce. This dish is balanced, with protein, veggies, and carbs. Plus, you can adjust it to fit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 397 |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Chicken penne pasta is a favorite for busy weeknights. It’s convenient, versatile, and loved by all. It’s the perfect choice for a satisfying and stress-free meal.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Penne Pasta
Creating a tasty creamy chicken pasta or a hearty penne chicken casserole starts with the right ingredients. A great chicken penne primavera needs a few key parts that blend well together. This mix creates a dish full of flavor.
First, you need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for protein. Penne pasta’s unique shape is perfect for soaking up flavors. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth, while diced tomatoes bring a bright, acidic taste.
Heavy cream is essential for a creamy texture. Leafy greens like spinach or kale add nutrition and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a savory taste, and garlic enhances the aroma and flavor.
Seasoning is crucial. A mix of basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and red chili flakes can make the dish amazing. For extra creaminess, try condensed soup and shredded cheddar cheese.
Don’t forget to add versatile vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and colorful bell peppers. They boost nutrition and add depth to the dish.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne Pasta | 16 oz (dry) |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 (cubed) |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 – 1 cup |
| Tomato Paste | 6 oz |
| Chopped Fresh Tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1 bulb or 1 cup chopped |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 – 4 |
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken Bouillon Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 – 2 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1 – 2 sprigs |
| All-purpose Chile Blend | 1 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious creamy chicken pasta, a cozy penne chicken casserole, or a colorful chicken penne primavera. Your taste buds and family will love it.
Classic Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
Make your weeknight dinner special with this creamy chicken penne pasta. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. You’ll get a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant in under 35 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce
First, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and cook the chicken until it’s golden, about 4-5 minutes each side. Then, take the chicken out and set it aside.
In the same skillet, cook garlic and rosemary until they smell great, about 1 minute. Then, mix in heavy cream and cornstarch to make the sauce thick. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Season with lemon juice and black pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
While the sauce cooks, cut the chicken into small pieces. Put the chicken back in the skillet to warm up in the sauce.
Combining the Elements
Cook the penne pasta as the package says, saving some water before draining. Add the pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Then, add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. Serve the creamy chicken penne pasta hot. Top with lemon zest and more Parmesan if you like.
Try this easy creamy chicken pasta recipe for a quick weeknight meal. It’s a mix of tender chicken, al dente penne, and creamy sauce. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Quick and Easy No-Boil Penne Pasta Casserole
Looking for a tasty Italian dish but short on time? This penne pasta bake is your answer. It’s different from other recipes because you don’t need to cook the pasta or chicken first. It’s quick and easy to make.
The magic happens when you mix uncooked penne pasta, raw chicken, veggies, soup, milk, broth, and cheese in one dish. Just cover it and bake at 425°F for 45 minutes. Then, remove the cover, add more cheese, and bake for 5-10 more minutes. This way, the pasta is perfect, and the cheese is golden and melted.
This Italian pasta dish is great for those busy weeknights. You can make it your own by adding different veggies, cheeses, or even cooked sausage or ground beef. Its creamy sauce and golden top make it a hit with everyone.
FAQ
What is the time-saving benefit of chicken penne pasta?
Chicken penne pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s fast to prepare and ready in only 35 minutes.
What are the advantages of one-pan cooking for chicken penne pasta?
Cooking chicken penne pasta in one pan makes cleanup easy. It’s also a hassle-free way to prepare a meal.
What makes chicken penne pasta a family-friendly meal?
Chicken penne pasta is loved by families. It’s a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs. Plus, it can please even the pickiest eaters.
What are the essential ingredients for the perfect chicken penne pasta?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken, penne pasta, and chicken broth. Don’t forget diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and spinach or kale. Parmesan cheese and garlic are must-haves. Season with basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and red chili flakes.
How do you prepare the classic creamy chicken penne pasta?
Start by searing seasoned chicken in a skillet. Add garlic and seasonings. Then, mix in broth, tomatoes, and pasta. Simmer until the pasta is just right.
Make a creamy sauce by whisking heavy cream and cornstarch. Combine it with the pasta. Add sliced chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
How do you make a quick and easy no-boil penne pasta casserole?
For the no-boil casserole, mix uncooked penne, raw chicken, and veggies in a dish. Add condensed soup, milk, broth, and cheese. Cover and bake at 425°F for 45 minutes.
Then, uncover and add more cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes more. The pasta should be tender, and the cheese melted.
