Nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of Easy Chicken Penne after a long day. This satisfying pasta dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne in a rich, creamy sauce that brings the whole family to the dinner table with smiles.

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan cheese for serving

Budget-friendly substitutions: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor, swap heavy cream for milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour, or add frozen mixed vegetables instead of bell peppers.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Time-saving tip: Cut the chicken while the pasta water comes to a boil, and prep all vegetables before you start cooking for smooth sailing through this recipe.

How to Make It

1. Cook the Pasta

Start a large pot of salted water boiling and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. The pasta should still have a slight bite since it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid works magic for binding the sauce.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

3. Build the Flavor Base

Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. The leftover chicken bits in the pan add incredible depth to the vegetables. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Slowly stir in heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a beautiful peachy color. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

5. Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet along with half the mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky consistency. The cheese should melt completely, creating a cohesive, creamy coating. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 6): Approximately 520 calories, 35g protein, 18g fat, 55g carbohydrates, and 3g fiber. This balanced meal provides substantial protein for growing families while delivering comfort food satisfaction.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy chicken penne alongside warm garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a complete family dinner. A simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition that even picky eaters often enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the chicken – it becomes tough and chewy. Avoid adding cream to a boiling mixture, which can cause curdling; reduce heat first. Never rinse your pasta after draining, as the surface starch helps the sauce cling beautifully. Finally, resist the urge to add all the cheese at once – gradual incorporation prevents clumping.

Storing Tips

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This easy chicken penne recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both simple and special. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s destined to become a family favorite that brings everyone together around the table.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the entire dish up to combining the pasta, then refrigerate. Reheat gently with extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

What if my kids don’t like vegetables?
Finely dice the onions and peppers so they blend into the sauce, or substitute with mild vegetables like zucchini or spinach that cook down significantly.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully. Just maintain the same cooking time and pasta-to-sauce ratio for best results.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep heat at medium or lower when adding cream, and stir constantly. If separation occurs, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter off the heat.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Stovetop reheating with a splash of milk gives the best texture. Microwave works too – use 50% power and stir frequently. Find more family-friendly ideas on our recipe boards.