Chicken Finger Pasta
Take your weeknight dinner to the next level with this indulgent and family-friendly Chicken Finger Pasta! This recipe pairs crispy, oven-baked chicken fingers with tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. A hint of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevate the dish, while optional red pepper flakes add a customizable kick of heat. Perfectly balanced between comfort food and a touch of sophistication, this 30-minute meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or serving up something special for pasta night, this dish delivers creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying bites in every forkful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken fingers
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 0.75 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoons Optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the chicken fingers. Cook the chicken fingers as directed, then set them aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Transfer the coated pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Top with the sliced chicken fingers.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3759 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 221.4 g | 284% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.2 g | 536% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 616 mg | 205% | |
| Sodium | 4482 mg | 195% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.6 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 121.3 g | 243% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 746 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1842 mg | 39% | |
*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.
