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Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta for a Perfect Weeknight Dinner
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Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

This comforting and sophisticated chicken penne pasta is a perfect weeknight solution for busy families. It features tender, seared chicken breast and al dente penne tossed in a luxurious, velvety sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. By utilizing reserved starchy pasta water to emulsify the sauce, this dish achieves a professional, glossy finish that is both decadent and satisfying. The addition of crispy turkey bacon adds a delightful smoky depth, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal right in your home kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 4 strips turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the starchy cooking water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken strips until golden brown; remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy, then remove.
  5. Sauté the minced garlic in the skillet until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
  7. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
  8. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing with the sauce and adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
  9. Top with crispy turkey bacon bits before serving.

Notes

Always reserve the pasta water, as the starch is key to creating a glossy, emulsified sauce. Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.