Penne pasta with chicken is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and easy to make. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook penne pasta with chicken, including the ingredients you’ll need, the cooking techniques, and some tips for making it extra special.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need. Here’s a list of what you’ll require:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
As for equipment, you’ll need:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- Cutting board for chopping onion and garlic
- Measuring cups and spoons for measuring ingredients
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to choosing the right chicken for your penne pasta dish, you have a few options. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Both work well, but they have slightly different flavors and textures.
Chicken breast is leaner and has a milder flavor, while chicken thighs are fattier and have a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast is the way to go. If you want a more flavorful dish, chicken thighs are the better choice.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking the chicken, you’ll need to prepare it. If you’re using chicken breast, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using chicken thighs, you can cut them into strips or leave them whole.
Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
Cooking the Penne Pasta
Now that we have our chicken prepared, it’s time to cook the penne pasta. Here’s how:
Boiling the Pasta
To cook the penne pasta, you’ll need to boil it in a large pot of salted water. Here’s how:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook until it’s al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Reserving Pasta Water
Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve some of the pasta water. This water is starchy and can help thicken the sauce later.
Cooking the Chicken and Sauce
Now that we have our pasta cooked, it’s time to cook the chicken and sauce. Here’s how:
Cooking the Chicken
To cook the chicken, you’ll need to heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add some diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they’re softened. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Adding Cherry Tomatoes
Next, add some halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they’re softened. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Adding Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
Now it’s time to add some grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Adding Cooked Chicken and Pasta
Finally, add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your penne pasta with chicken extra special:
Adding Fresh Basil
One way to add some extra flavor to your penne pasta with chicken is to add some chopped fresh basil leaves. This will give your dish a bright and refreshing flavor.
Using Different Types of Cheese
Another way to vary your penne pasta with chicken is to use different types of cheese. Some options include ricotta, goat cheese, or feta cheese.
Adding Some Spice
If you like a little heat in your penne pasta with chicken, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to the sauce.
Serving and Enjoying
Now that we’ve cooked our penne pasta with chicken, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are some tips for serving:
Serving Hot
Penne pasta with chicken is best served hot, straight from the skillet. You can serve it with some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves on top.
Pairing with Wine
If you’re looking for a wine to pair with your penne pasta with chicken, a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay works well.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re hot and steaming.
In conclusion, cooking penne pasta with chicken is a simple and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With these tips and variations, you can make it extra special and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.
What is the best way to cook penne pasta?
Cooking penne pasta is a straightforward process that requires some basic steps. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The general rule of thumb is to use 4-6 quarts of water for every 1 pound of pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
It’s essential to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy and unappetizing. The cooking time will depend on the specific type of penne pasta you’re using, but it usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Be sure to check the pasta regularly to avoid overcooking.
How do I prepare the chicken for the recipe?
To prepare the chicken for the recipe, start by rinsing the chicken breast under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of browning. Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your desired herbs and spices. You can also marinate the chicken in your favorite sauce or seasoning for added flavor.
Once the chicken is seasoned, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the chicken until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast, but it usually takes around 5-7 minutes per side. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What type of sauce is best for penne pasta with chicken?
The type of sauce you choose for penne pasta with chicken is largely a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, and pesto sauce. You can also create your own sauce using a combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. If you’re looking for a creamy sauce, you can try using heavy cream or Greek yogurt as a base.
Regardless of the sauce you choose, be sure to taste and adjust as you go. You can add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste, and also adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. Some people prefer a light coating of sauce, while others like their pasta smothered in sauce. It’s up to you to decide what works best for your taste buds.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
One of the best things about cooking penne pasta with chicken is that you can customize the recipe to your liking. Some popular add-ins include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also try adding other protein sources, such as sausage or bacon, for added flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or tofu.
When adding other ingredients, be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly. For example, if you’re adding cherry tomatoes, you may want to add them towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t become too soft. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to complement the flavors of your add-ins.
How do I store leftover penne pasta with chicken?
If you have leftover penne pasta with chicken, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before refrigerating it, as this will help prevent bacterial growth. You can also freeze the pasta for up to 3 months, although the texture and flavor may be affected.
When reheating leftover pasta, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, although the stovetop method is usually preferred for better texture and flavor.
Can I make penne pasta with chicken ahead of time?
While it’s possible to make penne pasta with chicken ahead of time, it’s generally best to cook the pasta and chicken just before serving. This ensures that the pasta is cooked to the right texture and the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. However, you can prepare some components of the recipe ahead of time, such as chopping the vegetables or making the sauce.
If you do choose to make the recipe ahead of time, be sure to store the components separately and reheat them just before serving. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and the chicken from drying out. You can also consider making a batch of sauce or roasted vegetables ahead of time and storing them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Is penne pasta with chicken a healthy option?
Penne pasta with chicken can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients and cooking methods you use. Whole wheat penne pasta is a good source of fiber and nutrients, while chicken breast is a lean protein source. However, be mindful of the amount of sauce and cheese you use, as these can add calories and fat to the dish.
To make the recipe healthier, try using a light coating of sauce and adding plenty of vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and spinach. You can also use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of salt and sugar. Additionally, consider using a low-sodium chicken broth or stock to add moisture to the dish without adding extra salt.