We all have those hectic weeknights where cooking feels like a chore. You want something comforting, but you also want it fast. That is exactly where this Chicken Penne Pasta comes to the rescue. It is the ultimate solution for anyone craving a homemade meal without the pile of dishes.
This dish brings together tender chicken, savory spices, and a creamy tomato sauce. The best part is that everything cooks in a single pan. You do not need to boil water separately or dirty a colander. It is truly one of the best Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes you will find.
If you are a fan of bold flavors, you are in for a treat. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick that balances perfectly with the heavy cream. It creates a sauce that coats every single noodle. This Chicken Pasta Dinner is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this meal. First and foremost, it is incredibly fast. You can go from a cold stove to a hot dinner in about thirty minutes. This makes it perfect for busy parents or anyone with a tight schedule.
Another huge benefit is the minimal cleanup. Since you cook the pasta right in the sauce, you only have one pot to wash at the end of the night. Less time scrubbing means more time relaxing with your family.
The flavor profile is also very family friendly. While it uses Cajun seasoning, the heat is tempered by the cream and brown sugar. It is savory and rich without being overwhelming. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your own taste buds.
Finally, this Chicken Penne Pasta is budget friendly. It uses pantry staples like dried pasta, canned tomatoes, and onions. You do not need expensive ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful meal. Here is everything you need to make this delicious Chicken Pasta Dinner.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½” slices (about 1 lb)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14oz or 398ml)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups dry penne pasta (255g)
These simple components come together to create magic. The brown sugar might seem unusual, but it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Chicken Penne Pasta. It is a straightforward process that delivers consistent results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning
Start by grabbing a large saucepan. Place it on the stove and heat the oil over medium high heat. You want the pan nice and hot before the chicken goes in.
While the oil heats up, take a small bowl. Combine the Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the brown sugar. Mix it well so the flavors are evenly distributed. This spice blend is the secret to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Take your sliced chicken breasts and season them well with the spice mixture you just made. Make sure every piece is coated. Add the chicken to the hot saucepan.
Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side. You are looking for a nice brown color on both sides. It does not need to be fully cooked through yet, as it will simmer later.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Remove the browned chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate to keep warm. Do not wipe out the pan. Those brown bits on the bottom are full of flavor.
Add the chopped onion to the saucepan. If the pan looks dry, you can add a little additional oil. Sauté the onion until it is softened and starting to brown. This builds a savory base for your sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
Now it is time for the aromatics. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything constantly for about 1 minute.
You want to cook the garlic just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. This step unlocks the essential oils in the herbs and garlic.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, and the heavy whipping cream. Stir well to combine all the liquids with the onions and spices.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium high heat. You will see the sauce start to come together and turn a beautiful creamy orange color.
Step 6: Simmer the Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the saucepan. Add the dry penne pasta directly into the liquid. Make sure the pasta is submerged as much as possible.
Bring the pot back up to a simmer. Once it is bubbling, cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil.
Let it cook covered. However, you must stir often. This prevents the pasta from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Cook until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. The sauce will thicken as the pasta releases its starch. Once the pasta is done, your Chicken Penne Pasta is ready to serve.
Taste the sauce before serving. You can adjust the seasonings if desired. Serve it hot and enjoy one of the best Quick Chicken Pasta Recipes out there.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores very well. Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before putting it away. Do not leave it out for more than two hours.
Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. The flavors often meld together even better the next day.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stove. If using the stove, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The pasta tends to absorb liquid as it sits in the fridge.
Freezing is also an option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Tips
Making this Chicken Penne Pasta is easy, but a few tips can ensure perfection. First, do not skip the stirring. Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, the starch stays in the pot. Stirring prevents a sticky mess.
If you find the sauce is too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth. Just a quarter cup at a time should do the trick. You want the pasta to be tender, not crunchy.
Cut your chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures that all the chicken cooks at the same rate. Bite sized pieces are best for eating and fit well on a fork with the penne.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. While the recipe calls for onions and tomatoes, you could add bell peppers or spinach. Spinach should be added at the very end so it just wilts.
Use a good quality pot. A heavy bottomed pan distributes heat more evenly. This helps prevent the creamy sauce from scorching on the bottom while the pasta simmers.
Conclusion
This Chicken Penne Pasta is truly a lifesaver for busy evenings. It combines comfort, flavor, and convenience in one simple package. You do not need to be an expert chef to make a meal that tastes this good.
The blend of Cajun spices with the creamy tomato sauce is addictive. It is one of those Quick Chicken Pasta Recipes that you will want to make again and again. Plus, the easy cleanup is a massive bonus.
So next time you are staring at the pantry wondering what to make, remember this recipe. It satisfies the craving for a hearty Chicken Pasta Dinner without the stress. Give it a try tonight.
Cooking at home should be fun and rewarding. This dish proves that you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in no time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Pasta Shape?
Yes, you can. Rotini or fusilli work great because they hold the sauce well. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the shape you choose.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning. However, the cream and brown sugar tone it down significantly. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Absolutely. You can substitute the regular penne with your favorite gluten free pasta. Be aware that gluten free pasta can sometimes become mushy if overcooked, so watch it closely.
Can I Use Milk Instead Of Cream?
Heavy cream works best for texture and stability. Milk might curdle when mixed with the acidic tomatoes and heat. If you must use milk, try to use whole milk and do not let it boil vigorously.
What Can I Serve With This?
This Chicken Penne Pasta is a full meal on its own. However, a simple green salad or some garlic bread makes a wonderful side. The bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce.
One-Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
This quick and easy one-pot Chicken Penne Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and pasta cook together in a creamy, savory Cajun tomato sauce for a no-fuss meal with minimal cleanup.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the brown sugar. Season the sliced chicken breasts with this mixture.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same pan and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and heavy whipping cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the saucepan and add the dry penne pasta. Stir to submerge the pasta as much as possible.
- Bring back to a simmer, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Stir the pasta often as it cooks in the sauce. This is crucial to prevent it from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of extra chicken broth (about ¼ cup at a time) to reach the right consistency.
For even cooking, make sure to cut your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers with the onion, or wilt in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end of cooking.
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