Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Chicken Penne Pasta

Name: Chicken Penne Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil (Source: 2 tablespoons oil); 2 each boneless skinless chicken breasts ((about 1 lb)) (Source: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts ((about 1 lb))); ½ teaspoon seasoning salt (Source: ½ teaspoon seasoning salt); 3 cloves garlic ((finely minced)) (Source: 3 cloves garlic ((finely minced))); 1 teaspoon dried basil (Source: 1 teaspoon dried basil); 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Source: 1 teaspoon dried oregano); ¾ teaspoon salt (Source: ¾ teaspoon salt); ½ teaspoon dried thyme (Source: ½ teaspoon dried thyme); ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes (Source: ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes); 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth (Source: 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth); 1 can diced tomatoes (with liquid (14oz or 398ml)) (Source: 1 can diced tomatoes (with liquid (14oz or 398ml))); 4½ cups dry penne pasta ((13oz or 375g)) (Source: 4½ cups dry penne pasta ((13oz or 375g))); ½ cup heavy whipping cream (Source: ½ cup heavy whipping cream); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Source: 1 tablespoon cornstarch); 2 cups spinach ((loosely chopped)) (Source: 2 cups spinach ((loosely chopped))); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Source: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese)

Chicken Penne Pasta is made with dry penne pasta, chicken breasts, and low-sodium chicken broth.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 35 min
Original yield: Serves 5
Ingredients: 16 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

Main courseAmericanChickenPrep: 15 minutes or lessTotal: 31–60 minutes

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Main course
Primary protein: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Preparation & total time: Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 31–60 minutes

A few quick notes

1. Check when to cover

Follow the covered and uncovered stages in their stated order.

2. Prepare the first additions

Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.

3. Stir as directed

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

Get to know the ingredients

boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

In the method: Season the chicken with seasoning salt and sear each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.

seasoning salt

In the method: Season the chicken with seasoning salt and sear each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.

garlic (finely minced)

In the method: Add the garlic, basil, oregano, salt, thyme, and chili flakes to the pan and cook for 1 minute.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preferences before serving.

A little more help as you go

Match the cuts in the method

Use the chopping, slicing or cutting preparation specified.

Keep the simmering stage

Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.

Prepare the whisked mixture

Keep the whisking step in its stated place in the preparation.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the saucepan. Start with this step: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Follow the covered and uncovered stages in their stated order.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Check that a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, then remove the chicken from the saucepan and slice.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Use the chopping, slicing or cutting preparation specified.

Additional recipe notes

Ingredients and Substitutions: Chicken: any kind of boneless, skinless chicken will work here, and thighs should cook in about the same amount of time. You can also swap for cooked, crumbled sausage or omit and add in white beans for a meatless meal. Broth: I like to start with low sodium broth and add salt as needed. If you are starting with salted broth, you may want to omit the added salt and adjust as needed before serving, Diced tomatoes: I have not tested this recipe without the tomatoes, and the pasta does need the juice from the tomatoes to cook. If you want to omit them, I would start by adding an additional ½ cup broth and adding more liquid to cook the pasta as needed. Pasta: any variety of short pasta will work here, but ideally choose something with roughly the same cook time. Macaroni, rotini, etc., would all work well. Cream: heavy cream gives the thickest and richest sauce, but you can swap for a lighter cream if need be. Spinach: spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, but you can omit if necessary or swap for fresh herbs or chopped kale. Parmesan: Parmesan adds a great, salty kick, but you can swap for another cheese if desired.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: thereciperebel.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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