Chicken Penne Pasta
A rich, creamy pasta loaded with seasoned grilled chicken, sweet peppers, and plenty of flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
* 2 cups penne pasta
* Water, for boiling
Sauce
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 mini sweet peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), diced
* ¼ cup yellow onion, diced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 ounce Velveeta cheese
* 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
* ½ tablespoon dried parsley
* ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
* 2 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Chicken
* 2 chicken breasts (or 2–3 chicken thighs)
* Garlic powder
* Smoked paprika
* Onion powder
* Sea salt
* Black pepper
* 1 tablespoon oil, for searing
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic, diced sweet peppers, and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add the mozzarella and Velveeta, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the sauce with the Creole seasoning, parsley, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss until every piece is coated.
7. Top with the sliced grilled chicken and garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Making a delicious chicken penne pasta at home can be very rewarding, especially when you use fresh ingredients and flavorful seasonings like Creole spice, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme. One tip I’ve found helpful is to properly rest the grilled chicken after searing; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices that complement the creamy pasta perfectly. In addition to the mini sweet peppers used in the recipe, you might consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for a deeper layer of flavor and texture. When preparing the sauce, stir gently and keep the heat moderate to avoid curdling the cream or breaking the sauce. Velveeta cheese melts smoothly and creates a luscious texture, but you can experiment by adding some cream cheese or Parmesan for even richer taste. A great way to elevate this dish is to finish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or more parsley, and a dash of Parmesan cheese right before serving. If you prefer a hint of heat, the red pepper flakes are adjustable to suit your tolerance. This recipe also adapts well to variations in protein; substituting chicken thighs for breasts can add more flavor and tenderness. For a lighter twist, try using half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream instead of solely heavy cream, balancing richness with a few fewer calories. Overall, this creamy chicken penne pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests because it combines simple steps with ingredients that deliver impressive comfort and flavor. Using seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs can keep it exciting every time you make it.
