Chicken Penne Pasta
Chicken Penne Pasta

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!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Calories 563 kcal

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.