Description
A quick and easy creamy chicken alfredo penne pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for a simple family dinner or a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or peas.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American