Mega Chicky Cheesy Penne Pasta
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Mega Chicky Cheesy Penne Pasta recipe! Packed with tender, golden-browned chicken pieces, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a hint of fragrant oregano, this dish is a dream for cheese lovers. The sauce blends rich heavy cream and milk with a touch of chicken broth for added depth, while sautéed garlic and onions provide an aromatic base. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this hearty, crowd-pleasing meal comes together in just an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Whether you're seeking a cheesy pasta bake alternative or a flavorful twist on classic penne, this recipe delivers indulgence in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 500 grams chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped onion until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream to create a smooth sauce.
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it’s melted and creamy. Mix in the oregano, a pinch of paprika, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and stir to combine well.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy chicken mixture.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4870 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 240.7 g | 309% | |
| Saturated Fat | 121.2 g | 606% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1016 mg | 339% | |
| Sodium | 7735 mg | 336% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.2 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 303.2 g | 606% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3282 mg | 252% | |
| Iron | 20.1 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 3635 mg | 77% | |
*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.
