Lighter Alfredo Penne with Chicken (Quick & Easy!)

Whether you have needy toddlers at your legs when you’re trying to prepare dinner, active teens who need rides in different directions during the dinner time rush, or no kids but are super tired after work and still want homemade meals, you need quick and easy dinner ideas. This Alfredo Sauce with Penne Pasta and Chicken is just that.

I grew up loving any pasta with Alfredo sauce, but limited it as an adult since it’s such a heavy dish. Then I started to wonder if I could change that. Could I lighten up traditional Alfredo sauce? It was easier than I expected and the result is something that can be in your regular rotation!

The world loves pasta, and there are never enough recipes to try out. Keeping that in mind, I bring you a delicious and easy Penne Alfredo Chicken Pasta recipe the whole family will love.

It has a creamy cheese sauce, moist and tender chicken, and oh so much flavor! The best part? It’s light!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s pasta!

I love pasta dishes–who doesn’t? You’ll love this simple, easy pasta recipe that incorporates chicken for protein and makes it a balanced dish.

It’s a quick and simple recipe. 

It’s one of those easy meals that becomes an instant hit. This chicken alfredo pasta is super straightforward. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple and straightforward; many you may keep on hand all the time.

It’s light without sacrificing texture or flavor.

I love lightening and healthifying (yes, I made that word up) recipes in a way that no one would suspect they are light or healthier. This is one of those recipes!

Ingredients for Alfredo Penne Pasta

Penne Pasta: I used this kind of pasta because my kids struggle with fettuccine with their braces right now. Plus, penne pasta traps the creamy Alfredo sauce just as I want it to. Whatever pasta shape is your preference will work just fine.

Avocado Oil: You can replace it with olive oil if you prefer.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces so it cooks faster.

2% Milk: Since we’re keeping it light, we’ll use 2% milk for the base. It’s lower fat, but still gives that creamy texture. 1% or skim milk may work as well.

Butter: You don’t want the sauce to be too runny and milk doesn’t thicken like heavy cream,  so we’ll have to make a roux with butter and flour.

Flour: We’ll use all-purpose flour.

Parmesan Cheese: That’s where we get all the flavor! Grated parmesan is what you want to use here.

Minced Garlic: Although freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor and aroma, you can use garlic powder as a sub in a pinch.

Salt and Black Pepper: They are a must!

You’ll find all the other details in the printable recipe card at the end of the post. Don’t forget to check it out!

How to Make Alfredo Sauce with Penne Pasta and Chicken

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted water according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, cut the chicken breasts into slices and season all over with salt and pepper.
3. In a large high sided skillet, heat the avocado oil. Sauté the chicken slices until thoroughly cooked, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken, place on a plate and cover.
5. In the same pan, Melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for a minute.
6. Gradually add the milk, whisking continually until there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce is thickened to your preference.
7. Add the parmesan and whisk until incorporated.
8. Stir in the garlic, taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Cook for about 2 minutes more.
9. Add the cooked penne pasts and cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce and stir to incorporate.
10. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Always cook your pasta on medium heat and cook it to al dente. Your pasta should be slightly undercooked before you add it to the sauce. This way, it’ll finish cooking in the sauce and absorb all the flavors.
• Use a large skillet or pan to make your alfredo sauce. You want enough space for everything to mix nicely without spilling over.
• If you want moist chicken, don’t let it overcook!
• If your sauce seems too thick, you can pour in a little starchy pasta water to get the desired consistency.

Variations to Try

I can think of a hundred ways to tweak this easy pasta recipe. But my top favorites include:

Adding Veggies: So many vegetables will pair perfectly here. I recommend mushrooms, broccoli florets, yellow bell peppers, or peas.

Making it Spicier: If you’re a heat lover, add red pepper flakes to your homemade alfredo sauce. You’ll be surprised at the flavor boost.

Trying Different Proteins: How about some turkey or shrimp instead of chicken? Use whatever you have on hand for your protein!

Adding More Flavor: Sprinkle your finished dish with fresh chopped parsley. It adds color and flavor!

Making it Cheesier: Add more cheese to the sauce, like mozzarella or gouda, for an extra cheesy and indulgent dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Store the Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. When you want to serve it again, reheat it in the microwave with a splash of milk and serve. You can also reheat it on the stovetop.

What Can I Serve with this Dish?

This chicken alfredo penne pasta can be complete meal in itself, but I recommend serving it with some vegetables! Try my Instant Pot steamed broccoli, Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan, or Air Fryer Asparagus.

Can I Make this Penne Alfredo recipe with no Chicken?

Yes, absolutely! To make this a simple Alfredo sauce with penne pasta, just completely skip the chicken steps in the recipe and go from there. It will be even quicker!

If you make this Alfredo sauce with penne pasta recipe, please leave a star rating below! It’s so helpful for other readers to see which recipes are tried and true! I’d also love to see it–share your photo of this dish and tag me on Instagram and I’ll feature you!

If you need more simple pasta recipes, scroll below the recipe card to see some of my absolute favorites.

Lighter Alfredo Penne with Chicken (Quick & Easy!)

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5 from 4 reviews

• Author: Maryea Flaherty of Happy Healthy Mama
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

This is a lighter Alfredo sauce with penne pasta that is quick and easy to make.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted water according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, cut the chicken breasts into slices and season all over with salt and pepper.
3. In a large high sided skillet, heat the avocado oil. Sauté the chicken slices until thoroughly
   cooked, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken, place on a plate and cover.
5. In the same pan, Melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for a minute.
6. Gradually add the milk, whisking continually until there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce is thickened to your preference.
7. Add the parmesan and whisk until incorporated.
8. Stir in the garlic, taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Cook for about 2 minutes more.
9. Add the cooked penne pasts and cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce and stir to
   incorporate. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: dinner recipes
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 447
• Sugar: 5.7 grams
• Fat: 13.8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6.2 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 49.5 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 29.2 grams

More Simple Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken

Chicken Fajita Pasta (pictured above)

One Pot Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Arugula Pesto Pasta Recipe

One Pot Penne and Broccoli Recipe

Orecchiette Pasta with Pesto, Asparagus, and Peas