Creamy Penne with Chicken Cream Cheese Sauce
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Penne with Chicken Cream Cheese Sauce! This recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a luxuriously smooth sauce made from softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and savory chicken broth, creating a velvety base that clings to every bite. Succulent, golden-browned chicken slices add a hearty touch, while garlic, onion, and a medley of oregano and basil infuse the dish with aromatic depth. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the creamy richness, making every forkful irresistibly decadent. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this 40-minute recipe is as easy to make as it is satisfying. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and serve immediately for an unforgettable pasta experience the whole family will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 medium (about 300 grams total) chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small (finely chopped) onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 225 grams (1 block, softened) cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese. Allow it to melt and become creamy, stirring constantly.
Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue cooking for 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 212.0 g | 272% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.7 g | 514% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 977 mg | 326% | |
| Sodium | 5931 mg | 258% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 319.0 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.2 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g | ||
| Protein | 262.2 g | 524% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1164 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 19.6 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 3152 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
