Chicken Penne Pasta

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5 from 18 votes

Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 chicken breasts, cubed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon basil
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
garlic salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to packaged directions.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add chicken. Cook until cooked through.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Add flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Add milk and broth, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce boils and thickens.
Add basil and parmesan cheese. Add desired salt and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Pour sauce over pasta and serve.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.

Some delicious additions can include red pepper flakes, sauteed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli florets, or crumbled bacon.
Other similarly sized pastas can be used, such as ziti, bow tie, and fusilli. It also tastes great using gluten-free pasta.
I like to double the recipe so I have enough to freeze for another meal.

To freeze pasta meals, cook the recipe as directed and let it cool slightly. Store it in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw the pasta, then warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of milk to help get a smooth texture.

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