Creamy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata (35-Minutes)
Creamy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata is a spicy and rich pasta dish that combines bold red pepper flakes, tender chicken, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. This recipe transforms the traditional Arrabbiata into a luxurious, comforting meal with a smooth and velvety texture.Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is easy to make in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to season
For the Arrabbiata Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
For the Creamy Finish:
- ¾ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for extra richness
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Sauté garlic and onions until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and oregano, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or red pepper flakes if needed.
Toss Everything Together
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
- If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce for a silkier consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.