Alfredo Penne Pasta: A Creamy Comfort Food Recipe You’ll Crave 🍝✨
Overview of the Dish
Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug? Alfredo Penne Pasta is the perfect dish to fill that craving. This creamy Italian classic combines the rich decadence of Alfredo sauce with the satisfying bite of penne pasta and tender, juicy chicken 🍗. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily add vegetables 🥦 for an extra nutritional boost or mix up the protein to suit your taste. Each forkful is coated in a velvety sauce, making it an irresistible comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite ❤️.
Whether you prefer it traditional with chicken or enjoy adding extra ingredients like sautéed shrimp 🍤, grilled chicken 🍗, or fresh veggies 🥕, this dish adapts to your preferences. If you’re in the mood for a healthier take, try cooking the pasta in a single pot for a lighter version that still delivers on flavor. This simple yet delicious dish is sure to become your go-to comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner 👨👩👧👦 or a treat when you need something rich and satisfying. Alfredo Penne Pasta is the answer to your cravings—easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. 🌟
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💖
This Alfredo Penne Pasta recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, tasty dinner that feels like a treat 🍽️. The sauce is rich and creamy, thanks to the secret ingredient—cream cheese 🧀—that adds a deep, velvety flavor. The penne pasta’s ridged shape is ideal for holding the sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with delicious flavor. Whether you choose to add grilled chicken 🍗, rotisserie chicken, or mix in vegetables like broccoli 🥦 or sun-dried tomatoes 🍅, the dish is incredibly customizable. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen 🕔.
The shape of the penne pasta ensures that the sauce clings to every surface, delivering maximum flavor in every bite. You can keep it classic with chicken or add extra veggies like wilted spinach 🌱 for an added nutritional boost. This dish is a complete meal, loaded with protein and essential nutrients, making dinner both easy and satisfying—just like a restaurant-quality dish made in the comfort of your own home 🏠.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Alfredo Penne Pasta 🛒
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 ½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 🍗
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- ½ teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt 🧂
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌶️
- 16 oz (455 g) cooked penne pasta, drained 🍝
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (10 g) 🌿
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese (25 g) 🧀
Alfredo Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🌾
- 2 cups milk (480 mL) 🥛
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt 🧂
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌶️
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- ½ teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (55 g) 🧀
- Cream cheese (room temperature, for extra creaminess) 🧀
Cooking the Chicken and Additional Ingredients
- 650 g chicken mini bites (or 400 g cooked penne pasta) 🍗
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 🫒
- 1 small shallot, finely diced 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- ¼ cup dry white wine 🍷
- 2 cups chicken broth 🍲
- 2.5 cups milk 🥛
- 1 lb uncooked penne pasta 🍝
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt 🧂
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 🌶️
- ¾ cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) 🧀
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley 🌿
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (optional, for serving) 🍞
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving) 🌶️
Tips for Perfecting Your Alfredo Penne Pasta 🍽️
To elevate your Alfredo Penne Pasta to the next level, here are a few tips and tricks that will ensure a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured dish every time:
1. Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese 🧀
For the richest flavor, always opt for fresh, freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce, resulting in a silky, creamy texture.
2. Balance the Creaminess 🥛
If you love a richer sauce, you can add a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream. However, be mindful to balance the richness with the right amount of pasta water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or greasy.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken 🍗
To ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Chicken breasts should be cooked until golden on the outside but still moist on the inside. Searing the chicken in a hot pan will help lock in its natural juices.
4. Add a Splash of Lemon 🍋
For a fresh burst of flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the finished dish. It brightens up the creamy sauce and provides a zesty contrast to the richness of the cheese.
5. Customize with Your Favorite Veggies 🥦
Want to add more nutrition and color? Try adding vegetables like spinach 🌱, peas, or roasted tomatoes. They not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish more vibrant and balanced.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to recreate an Alfredo Penne Pasta that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
Step 1: Boil the Pasta 🍝
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook it al dente, following the package directions. Be sure to save a little pasta water before draining—it’ll help thicken and bind the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce 🧀
While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the milk and add room-temperature cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese melts completely. Then, add the shredded parmesan cheese and continue to stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Add Flavor 🍗
For added protein, you can incorporate grilled chicken, cubed ham, or shrimp 🍤. To cook the chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Set aside. In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine and let it reduce for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce 🍝
Once the pasta is drained, mix it into the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce stick to the pasta.
Step 5: Final Touches ✨
Pour chicken broth, milk, and a pinch of salt into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook uncovered until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Once the pasta is coated in the sauce, serve immediately with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. For an extra touch, pair with garlic bread 🍞 or a refreshing green salad 🥗 with lemon vinaigrette.
Step 6: Storing and Reheating ♻️
Store any leftovers of your Alfredo Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a bit of broth to restore the creamy texture. Make sure the pasta is heated through, and the cheese is melted again for the perfect creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts 🌟
Alfredo Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a creamy, rich sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of chicken, penne pasta, and the luscious cheese sauce is both comforting and satisfying. You can easily adapt this dish to suit your preferences—add vegetables like broccoli, spinach 🌱, or sun-dried tomatoes 🍅 for extra flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheating leftovers, this dish will never disappoint.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick, delicious, and fulfilling. Alfredo Penne Pasta brings restaurant-style comfort food right into your kitchen. You can also make a lighter version with fewer ingredients or try a One-Pot method for added convenience. Serve with a side of garlic bread 🍞 or a light salad 🥗, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The flexibility of ingredients, like adding shrimp 🍤 or cubed ham, ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Alfredo Penne Pasta: (FAQs)
1. Can I make Alfredo Penne Pasta without cream cheese?
Yes, you can make Alfredo Penne Pasta without cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use more milk or heavy cream to create a creamy sauce. However, cream cheese adds extra richness and smoothness, so consider adding a bit of extra parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream if you’re skipping it.
2. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free penne pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat penne pasta or gluten-free penne pasta in this recipe. The cooking instructions remain the same, though be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you use to avoid overcooking.
3. How can I store leftover Alfredo Penne Pasta?
Leftover Alfredo Penne Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Can I make Alfredo Penne Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo Penne Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine the pasta and sauce in a skillet, add a bit of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce, and heat until warm.
5. How can I make Alfredo Penne Pasta spicier?
To add some heat to your Alfredo Penne Pasta, you can sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce as it simmers. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference for a delicious kick.
Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk 480 mL
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese 55 g
- Cream cheese room temperature, for extra creaminess
- For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ lb 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 16 oz 455 g cooked penne pasta, drained
- ¼ cup fresh parsley 10 g
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese 25 g
- Additional Ingredients Optional:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot finely diced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2.5 cups milk
- ¾ cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
- Italian-style breadcrumbs optional, for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook it al dente according to the package directions.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later.
- Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Stir in shredded parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In another large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the Alfredo sauce and stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Step 5: Final Touches
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce.
- Stir to combine everything and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional shredded parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover Alfredo Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and microwave or reheat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally for even warming.
