Creamy Easy Crack Chicken Penne Pasta with tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken with seasoning until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken.
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Sauté onion until soft; add garlic for 30 seconds.
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Add chicken broth and reduce slightly.
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Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
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Add mozzarella and Parmesan; stir until melted. Adjust seasoning.
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Return chicken to skillet; fold in pasta and heat 2–3 minutes.
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Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.