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Chicken Alfredo Penne

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Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a velvety Alfredo sauce. This classic Italian-inspired meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions, offering a flavorful and satisfying experience in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for the pasta water

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
    • Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 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 until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  • Make the Alfredo Sauce:
    • In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the heavy cream and whole milk to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
    • Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
    • If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Combine Pasta and Chicken:
    • Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
    • Heat for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve:
    • Serve the Chicken Alfredo Penne immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or skim milk in place of the heavy cream.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Penne, creamy Alfredo pasta, chicken penne pasta, Italian pasta dish, penne Alfredo recipe, easy chicken Alfredo, comfort food recipe

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