There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly made Chicken Penne Alfredo. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, family gatherings, and satisfying indulgence. This recipe brings you that classic, creamy goodness right into your kitchen, designed to be both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to master. Get ready to transform everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Crafting the Perfect Chicken Penne Alfredo Experience
Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken, perfectly al dente penne pasta, and vibrant steamed broccoli, all coated in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy a moment of pure culinary bliss. We’ve streamlined the steps to ensure that even on your busiest weeknights, a homemade, soul-satisfying dinner is within reach. To prepare this meal you will need to have the following:
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools on hand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. For this creamy Chicken Penne Alfredo, you won’t need anything too fancy. Just gather these kitchen essentials before you begin, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal.
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large pan or skillet (for chicken and sauce)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta (approximately 2 measuring cups dry)
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken, cubed (breast or thigh)
- 1 tsp salt, divided (and more to taste)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup half & half
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italiano seasoning (or Italian seasoning blend)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step by Step Instructions for Irresistible Chicken Penne Alfredo
- Begin by preparing your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water, then carefully add the penne pasta. Cook according to package directions until it is perfectly al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- While your pasta is cooking, turn your attention to the chicken. In a separate large pan or skillet, melt half of the divided butter (2 tablespoons) over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add your cubed chicken pieces to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken generously with a portion of the salt and the black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, reserving any drippings.
- In the very same pan, without cleaning it (those flavorful drippings are key!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté it gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as this can make it bitter.
- Now it’s time to build your luxurious sauce. Gradually pour in the half & half and whole milk into the pan with the garlic and butter. Stir well to combine. Bring this creamy mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and the Italiano seasoning to the pan.
- Using a hand whisk, continuously whisk the mixture as the cheeses begin to melt. Keep whisking until the sauce is completely smooth, lump-free, and has thickened to your desired creamy consistency. This usually takes a few minutes of gentle stirring. The cream cheese helps to create an incredibly velvety texture.
- Finally, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked penne pasta, the prepared chicken, and the steamed broccoli florets into the pan with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the salt as needed, adding more if you feel it’s necessary.
Creamy Chicken Penne Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta (2 measuring cups)
- 2 cups chicken cubed (can use breast or thigh)
- 1 tsp salt divided (add more to taste)
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- 1 cups half & half
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan grated
- 3/4 cup mozzarella shredded
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Italiano seasoning
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 cups broccoli steamed
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add 1/2 tsp salt. Boil pasta to al dente. Drain and set aside
- In another pan, over medium heat, melt half the butter then add the chicken
- Season with salt and pepper and cook until fully cooked. remove from pan and set aside
- In the same pan, over medium heat, melt butter and garlic. Cook until garlic begins to soften. Don't let it burn
- Add the cream and milk, followed by the seasoning. Bring milk to a boil then add the cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan.
- using a hand whisk, whisk the mixture to a smooth consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the pan and mix well. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions for Your Penne Alfredo
To truly elevate your Chicken Penne Alfredo, consider pairing it with a few complementary sides. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a complete meal, a glass of dry white wine, like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, would beautifully complement the creamy flavors.
Mastering Your Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Creating a truly irresistible Alfredo sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s simpler than you might think. The key is to melt the cheeses slowly over low heat and whisk continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky-smooth texture. Using both half & half and whole milk contributes to the perfect balance of richness without being overly heavy. Don’t rush this step, as a little patience here pays off with a wonderfully decadent sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.
This Creamy Chicken Penne Alfredo recipe is more than just a list of instructions; it’s a guide to creating memorable moments around your dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this dish is approachable and incredibly rewarding. Give it a try this week and let us know how it turns out in the comments below, we love hearing about your kitchen adventures! Enjoy every last, delicious bite!
Looking for something different, Try our Creamy Dill Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes chicken penne Alfredo creamy and rich?
The creaminess comes from a combination of Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, and milk or cream. Cooking everything together on low heat helps the sauce emulsify and coat the pasta evenly without separating.
Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?
Yes. While penne holds the sauce well, you can also use fettuccine, rigatoni, rotini, or spaghetti. Any pasta that captures creamy sauce will work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I prevent Alfredo sauce from becoming grainy or oily?
Keep the heat low when combining cheese and cream. Excessive heat can lead to the sauce breaking apart. Adding cheese gradually and stirring continuously helps maintain a smooth, silky texture.
Can I make chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If preparing in advance, keep it in a sealed container and warm it up gently with a bit of milk or cream to fix the sauce’s creamy consistency.
What vegetables can I add to chicken penne Alfredo?
Popular additions include broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. These contribute taste, variety, and balance to the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
1 Comment. Leave new
Made this chicken penne alfredo tonight and it was so creamy and delicious quick, easy, and a total family favorite!