Penne Chicken Pasta Recipe In 2026

Penne Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that blends tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful sauce into one satisfying meal. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights as well as relaxed family dinners because it’s simple to prepare and delivers delicious results every time. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy or tangy sauce, and perfectly textured pasta makes this dish both hearty and versatile.

The foundation of this recipe is penne pasta, known for its tube-like shape that holds sauce beautifully. Cooking the pasta to an al dente texture ensures it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Meanwhile, chicken is prepared by cutting it into small, even pieces, allowing it to cook quickly and evenly.

Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken

The chicken is seasoned with basic spices like salt, black pepper, and optional herbs or paprika for added flavor. It is then cooked in a pan with olive oil until golden on the outside and tender on the inside. This step enhances the taste and creates a slightly crisp texture that pairs well with the soft pasta.

Choosing and Preparing the Sauce

The sauce can be customized to your preference. A creamy version is made using garlic, butter or oil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and rich consistency. Alternatively, a tomato-based sauce offers a lighter, tangy flavor using tomato paste or crushed tomatoes. Some variations combine both cream and tomatoes for a balanced, slightly sweet, and savory taste.

Adding Vegetables for Flavor and Nutrition

Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. These are lightly sautéed to keep their texture fresh and vibrant.

Combining and Serving the Dish

Finally, the cooked pasta and chicken are combined with the sauce, allowing all the flavors to blend. A garnish of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs adds the finishing touch. This dish is best served hot and pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta (300 grams)
• Chicken breast (2 cups, boneless and cut into pieces)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Butter (1 tablespoon)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
• Chili flakes (½ teaspoon, optional)
• Bell peppers (1 cup, sliced)
• Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced, optional)
• Spinach (1 cup, optional)

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
6. Add Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well with the sauce.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
9. Adjust seasoning if needed and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
10. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.