Tinis Creamy Chicken Pasta (Printable)

A comforting dish of penne and shredded chicken coated in creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (approximately 12 oz)

→ Sauce

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - ½ cup chicken broth
09 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

# How to Prepare:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any flavorful bits from the pan.
04 - Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
05 - Incorporate dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to taste.
06 - Add shredded chicken and cooked penne to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat in the sauce. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
07 - Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than takeout, but tastes like you spent all afternoon stirring.
  • The cream sauce is silky without being heavy, thanks to the balance of butter and broth.
  • You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken and still feel like you actually cooked something.
02 -
  • Don't let the cream boil hard or it can break and turn grainy—keep the heat low once the cream goes in.
  • That reserved pasta water is your safety net; a splash transforms a thick sauce back into something silky without watering down the flavor.
03 -
  • Don't skip reserving pasta water—it's the most useful ingredient you'll have access to, and it costs nothing.
  • Taste the sauce before you add the pasta, so you know exactly what you're working with and can adjust seasoning without drowning everything.
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