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Easy Chicken Penne Pasta (30 minute meal) photo

Chicken Penne Pasta (30 minute meal)

A quick, creamy chicken penne pasta made with cottage cheese and mozzarella for a satisfying 30-minute meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 24 ounces jar pasta sauce use your favorite
  • 4 cloves garlic pressed
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the jarred pasta sauce, pressed garlic, and red pepper flakes; heat until the sauce is bubbling and fragrant.
  3. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and heat until the chicken is warmed through.
  4. Stir in the cottage cheese until incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, then fold in the shredded mozzarella until melted and combined; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot and top with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Banza chickpea pasta works well as a lower-carb option.
  • Use meal-prep, Instant Pot, or rotisserie chicken if preferred.
  • To cook raw chicken first, sauté 1 tablespoon oil, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and brown 8–10 minutes before adding sauce.