Chicken Penne Pasta is one of those cozy, comforting meals that brings everyone to the table. In this version, tender chunks of cooked chicken and sweet green peas are tossed with penne pasta and coated in a creamy gruyere cheese sauce that’s smooth, rich, and full of flavor.
It’s a pasta dish that feels special without being fussy—perfect for weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying. This is the kind of recipe my family always looked forward to, especially on chilly nights back in northern New York.
Inspired by the classic Chicken Alfredo, this recipe offers a sophisticated twist with the nutty, complex flavor of gruyere cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
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Why You'll Love Chicken Penne Pasta
Rich and creamy – The gruyere sauce creates a smooth, decadent coating that clings perfectly to the penne.
Satisfying and filling – With chicken and peas, it’s a complete meal in one dish.
Family-approved – My sons always loved creamy pasta dishes, and this one is no exception.
Ingredient Substitution Ideas
Cheese: If you can’t find gruyere, swap it out for gouda, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar.
Pasta: While penne works perfectly, you can use rigatoni, farfalle, or even rotini.
Vegetables: No peas? No problem. Swap them for baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
Garlic Herb Flavor: Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the flour for a fragrant boost.
Bacon Lover’s Twist: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory touch.
Equipment Needed
Wooden spoon or silicone spatulaTips
Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet or saucepan (for the sauce)
Colander
Whisk
Top Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Reserve pasta water – Adding a splash can loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Salt the pasta water well – It gives the pasta flavor right from the start.
Grate your own gruyere – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Storage
Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze: store in a freezer safe, airtight container up to 3 months.
Reheat: heat thawed casserole in the microwave until warmed through.
Serve with..
Garlic bread – A warm, crusty slice is perfect for mopping up the cheesy sauce.
Green salad – A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Veggies – Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add freshness and color.
Related Recipes
When you make this Chicken Penne Pasta recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Chicken Penne Pasta
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta ,cooked until al dente
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ,divided
- 1 shallot , finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces gruyere cheese shredded
- 2 ounces mild cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon butter sliced very thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add and cook pasta over medium-high heat, according to package until al dente. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the chicken tenderloins and season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink inside.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once the chicken has cooled, chop it into bite sized pieces.
- Using the same large pot the chicken was cooked in, add the remaining olive oil. Add the shallot and garlic and cook 2 minutes, or until the shallots are soft.
- Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing stock to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring back the broth mixture back to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the cream sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Add the cheeses and stir until the cheese has just melted.
- Mix the cooked pasta, peas, chicken, and sauce together and transfer to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter for 10-15 seconds. Sprinkle top of casserole with bread crumbs, then drizzle with melted butter.
- .Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and top is lightly browned.
Karen says
Shelby,
Thanks for much for the kind words! It's always so nice to hear when someone makes a dish, and I'm so glad you liked it (the chicken sounds like a great alternative!). I hope you're feeling better and can enjoy the weekend!
Inspired by eRecipeCards says
Just started eating my whole wheat pasta. I love the look of peas in the pasta. Makes it much more appealing
Inspired by eRecipeCards says
DELICIOUS. I love the idea of using cauliflower as the base for this. Terrific recipe
Mads says
Pasta is my #1 comfort food when I'm feeling sick. It doesn't do harm to my tummy, it takes 10 minutes, and it is delicious.
This looks especially good.
Feel better!
Ruth Daniels says
It definitely does sound like perfect comfort food. I do hope it did the trick and cured you. Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.
Pegasuslegend says
Wow does this ever look great!
Patsyk says
Those photos definitely say "comfort food" to me! I always crave some cheesey pasta goodness when I'm feeling the way you have been this week. Definitely a fabulous dish!
Fallon says
Sounds so good!I always stay away from cream based sauces because of them adding more calories.. but this just looks like it would be worth it!
bellini says
Something similar, only with smoked Gruyere, used to be on the menu at a local restaurant. I was sad when they took it off and added so many Tex Mex recipes.
Shelby says
Linda, it was what I bought when I wanted to make that peanut butter caramel sauce....and fortunately it hadn't expired or gone bad on me yet!
Simona says
I hope you are feeling better now. You certainly prepared a nice pasta dish and I am not surprised it was comforting. Reading your post make me think about the last time I was really sick: I also managed to get up and prepare what I needed at that time to comfort me. Thank you so much for contributing this to Presto Pasta Nights.
Linda says
I hope you are feeling much better!
This looks so creamy and, well, comforting. 🙂 I'm shocked you had heavy cream in your fridge. :O
Coleen says
I love comfort food anytime...sick, not sick, happy, sad..anytime. This looks fantastic. I can't believe you are that sick and still cooking. Not me!! If I'm that sick, we have cereal!! I sure hope you are feeling better.
Deeba PAB says
Sorry you were unwell Shelby. This does sound like a true comfort dish. Nothing like a creamy pasta to boost the spirits!
Kathleen says
This looks amazing. I can't wait to make it for my baby boy!