Chicken Penne Pasta
Chicken Penne Pasta- creamy, cheesy, chicken pasta with a fresh bruschetta topping. Serve with garlic bread for the most amazing meal! This easy pasta dish is a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 2 cups grape tomatoes chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chicken Pasta:
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine or white cooking wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- To make the bruschetta topping, combine the tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let sit while you make the chicken and pasta.
- Boil a large pot of water and salt generously. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, in a single layer, and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a clean plate.
- Melt the butter in the pan and add the shallot and garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously so the flour doesn’t clump up.
- Pour in the white wine. Cook on low for 3 to 5 minutes until sauce starts to thicken. Add the chicken back into the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. On medium-low, bring the sauce to a simmer and then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Add the pasta to the pan and stir until pasta is well coated. Remove the pan from heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Spoon the pasta onto plates or bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and bruschetta topping. Serve immediately.
