Creamy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata is a bold and comforting dish that balances spicy tomato flavor with rich creaminess and tender chicken. This 35-minute meal is perfect for weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. The combination of garlic, chili flakes, and cream gives the classic arrabbiata sauce a luxurious twist that coats every bite of penne and juicy chicken perfectly.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

penne pastaboneless, skinless chicken breastsolive oilgarlic clovesred pepper flakescrushed tomatoesheavy creamparmesan cheesefresh basil or parsley (for garnish)saltblack pepper

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice into strips.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, then simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the cooked penne and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different protein twist.

Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.

Swap penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a fun pasta change.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months but may have a softer texture when reheated.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely, just slice and add it to the sauce to heat through before combining with pasta.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream substitute and skip the parmesan, or use a plant-based cheese.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead, then cook pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.

What does “arrabbiata” mean?

“Arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the spiciness of the sauce.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add a splash of pasta water or more cream to adjust the consistency.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs nicely.

Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, but crushed tomatoes provide a chunkier texture and deeper flavor.

Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor, but dried can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata is a flavorful and satisfying pasta that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Its spicy, creamy sauce clings to tender chicken and pasta, delivering bold taste in every bite. Easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for guests, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

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