Description
With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne is a must-try recipe for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken thighs or tenderloins, diced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by filling a large pot with water and generously salting it. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the penne pasta. Follow the package instructions and cook until al dente, which typically takes about 10–12 minutes. The key to great pasta is not overcooking it; it should be firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta using a colander, but make sure to reserve half a cup of the cooking water for later use. Set the penne aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- While the pasta cooks, it’s time to season the proteins. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika separately onto the diced chicken and shrimp. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear until it is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Next, add the shrimp to the same skillet. Cook them until they turn pink, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt before adding minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to mix well. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes. Off the heat, gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts fully and the sauce is smooth. This step is essential for achieving the creamy consistency that makes the Alfredo so luscious!
- Now it’s time for the main event! Return the cooked penne pasta, seared chicken, and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring that the pasta and proteins are evenly coated with the creamy goodness. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once beautifully combined, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo penne hot!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 38 g