Southern Penne Pasta with Chicken
Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of Southern Penne Pasta with Chicken—a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender, spice-rubbed chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This recipe is elevated with a bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, giving the chicken a flavorful Southern kick. The luxurious sauce, made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and melted Parmesan, clings to every bite of pasta while fresh parsley and scallions add a vibrant, herby touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're craving a soul-satisfying meal. Garnish with extra herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation, and savor a taste of the South in every forkful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 stalks scallions, sliced
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, to ensure even cooking. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the chicken.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and sliced scallions for a fresh, bright flavor.
Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with additional parsley and scallions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Southern Penne Pasta with Chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
766 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.1 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.5 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 195 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 570 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.6 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 39.0 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 207 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 389 mg | 8% | |
*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.
