admin1 Chicken Cheese Penne Pasta is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish made with tender chicken pieces, penne pasta, and a smooth cheesy white sauce. It is a popular comfort food because it combines juicy seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a thick, velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite. This detailed recipe will help you make a restaurant-style Chicken Cheese Penne Pasta at home with perfect creaminess, balanced seasoning, and deep cheesy flavor.
To prepare this dish you will need 300 grams penne pasta, 2 large boneless chicken breasts cut into small cubes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic finely minced, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk full fat preferred, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese grated, 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional. For garnish you can use chopped parsley and extra cheese on top.
Start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly and remain juicy. Season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they turn golden brown on the outside and are fully cooked inside. Stir occasionally but avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken browns properly instead of steaming. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Next cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. The pasta should be firm to the bite because it will cook further in the sauce. Drain the pasta and reserve about half a cup of pasta water for later adjustment of sauce consistency.
Now prepare the cheese sauce. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and then sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste called a roux. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste but do not let it darken too much because we want a white creamy sauce.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Add the heavy cream and mix well, allowing it to simmer gently on low heat. The sauce should become rich, creamy, and smooth in texture.
Now reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated cheddar cheese while stirring continuously. Once melted, add mozzarella cheese to give the sauce extra stretch and creaminess. Stir until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and fully smooth. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if you prefer a mild spicy kick. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the cooked penne pasta into the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly so every piece is coated evenly. Then add the cooked chicken pieces and gently fold them into the mixture. Let everything simmer on very low heat for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors blend together and the sauce fully clings to the pasta.
At this point you can serve it immediately as a creamy stovetop pasta or transfer it into a baking dish for a baked version. For baked Chicken Cheese Penne Pasta, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with extra cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and bake at 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
For extra flavor you can add sautéed mushrooms, sweet corn, or crispy beef bacon. A pinch of mustard powder or garlic powder can also enhance the depth of flavor. Some people also like adding a small amount of cream cheese to make the sauce even richer and silkier.
Professional tips include cooking pasta al dente so it does not become mushy, using freshly grated cheese for smooth melting, keeping heat low when adding cheese to avoid separation, and adding pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness. Always stir continuously while making the sauce to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
The final Chicken Cheese Penne Pasta should be creamy, rich, and cheesy with tender chicken pieces and perfectly coated penne pasta. Every bite should feel smooth, savory, and comforting with a perfect balance of cheddar sharpness, mozzarella stretch, and creamy white sauce richness, making it one of the most satisfying pasta dishes you can prepare at home.
