Cheesy Chicken Penne
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Penne recipe, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender penne pasta, juicy pan-seared chicken, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, this creamy pasta dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy and decadent. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner option that feels restaurant-quality. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as satisfying as it is cheesy! Perfect for pasta lovers, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pcs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 pcs garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3680 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 158.9 g | 204% | |
| Saturated Fat | 75.2 g | 376% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 657 mg | 219% | |
| Sodium | 6259 mg | 272% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 296.7 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.1 g | ||
| Protein | 260.8 g | 522% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3192 mg | 246% | |
| Iron | 17.8 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 2612 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
