Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the kind of dish that brings both comfort and sophistication to the table. The tender chicken, coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from Parmesan, cream, and a blend of aromatic seasonings, pairs beautifully with the perfectly cooked penne pasta. This meal is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough for special occasions.

Let’s take you step-by-step through everything from prepping your ingredients, the cooking process, tips, and ideas for perfecting this dish.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

The chicken is the star of this dish, so making sure it’s seasoned well and cooked to perfection is essential.

1. Prep the Chicken Breasts:

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   • Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken ensures a better sear when cooking.
   • Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

2. Pan-Fry the Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the oil.
   • Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the chicken breasts to the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the chicken hits the pan.
   • Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken – it should read 165°F.
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to cook the penne pasta. This should be done in parallel to save time.

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 4-6 cups of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. The salt will help season the pasta and enhance its flavor.
2. Cook the Penne Pasta:
   • Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
   • Once done, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water (you’ll use it later to adjust the sauce consistency), and then drain the pasta. Set it aside.

Step 3: Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens in this dish. The combination of cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan makes for a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

1. Melt the Butter:

   • In the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken (don’t clean it out), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. The leftover chicken bits will add extra flavor to the sauce, so don’t skip this step!

2. Sauté the Garlic:

   • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

3. Add the Chicken Broth and Cream:

   • Pour in the 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the mixture to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 3-5 minutes. The cream will begin to thicken slightly as it simmers.

4. Stir in the Cheese:

   • Gradually add the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
   • Add the fresh thyme (or dried thyme) and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, adjusting the seasoning as needed. You can also add a small squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce to cut through the richness and add a bright finish.

5. Adjust the Sauce:

   • If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, adding both flavor and texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce

Now that both the chicken and sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Slice the Chicken:

   • Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to absorb some of the creamy sauce and makes it easier to serve.

2. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce:

   • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. If the pasta absorbs too much of the sauce and becomes dry, add a little more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

3. Add the Chicken:

   • Gently toss the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

4. Final Touches:

   • Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and lemon zest (optional). The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the Parmesan provides an extra hit of umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish is hearty and rich, so it pairs well with a few simple sides to balance out the flavors. Here are some ideas for accompaniments:

1. Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread:

• Serve alongside some homemade or store-bought garlic bread. The crispy, buttery texture of the bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy Parmesan sauce.

2. Green Salad:

• A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the pasta and provide a fresh contrast. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes would work well.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or brussels sprouts are great side dishes that add crunch and earthiness, balancing out the creamy pasta.

Variations of Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne:

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:

1. Add Vegetables:

For added color, flavor, and nutrition, you can stir in vegetables like:

• Spinach: Fresh spinach will wilt into the sauce and add a nice pop of green.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These will add a tangy sweetness that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms provide an earthy flavor that pairs well with the chicken and Parmesan.

2. Swap the Chicken:

While chicken is traditional, you can experiment with other proteins, such as:

• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Turkey: Ground turkey or turkey cutlets are a leaner option if you want to reduce the fat content.
• Vegetarian Version: You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with sautéed tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.

3. Spice it Up:

If you like heat, you can add:

• Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a pinch or more to the sauce to bring a bit of spice to the dish.
• Cajun seasoning: For a more Southern twist, add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the sauce.

4. Make it Lighter:

For a lighter version, you can make a few adjustments:

• Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
• Swap the butter for olive oil to reduce saturated fat.

Final Thoughts:

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From its tender chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked penne, this recipe offers a little bit of everything—comfort, flavor, and indulgence.

By following the detailed steps outlined above, you’ll be able to make a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Yield: 4-6

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the kind of dish that brings both comfort and sophistication to the table. The tender chicken, coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from Parmesan, cream, and a blend of aromatic seasonings, pairs beautifully with the perfectly cooked penne pasta. This meal is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough for special occasions.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
3. Brown the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
4. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
6. Slice the chicken: While the pasta is in the sauce, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
7. Serve: Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta or mix it into the pasta. Optionally, stir in butter for extra creaminess. Garnish with fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan before serving.

Notes

• Chicken Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Adding Veggies: To boost the flavor and nutrition, consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms into the sauce as it simmers.
• Cheese Variations: For a different flavor, try mixing in a bit of mozzarella or asiago cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta if you're following a gluten-free diet.
• Make it ahead: This dish can be made in advance, though the sauce may thicken more when reheated. Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.