Penne with Chicken in Creamy Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort meal with this Penne with Chicken in Creamy Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce recipe, a dish that combines tender penne pasta, juicy pan-seared chicken, and a decadent cheese sauce packed with bold peppery flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers a creamy blend of Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheeses, enriched with garlic and spices for a touch of zest. With a silky sauce crafted from wholesome milk, heavy cream, and a delicate roux, every bite is irresistibly smooth and satisfying. Garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty one-pan wonder is both visually stunning and deliciously comforting. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for a quick yet impressive homemade dinner. Keywords: creamy pasta recipe, Pepper Jack cheese sauce, chicken penne pasta, quick weeknight dinner, one-pan pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4664 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 257.9 g | 331% | |
| Saturated Fat | 137.5 g | 688% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 933 mg | 311% | |
| Sodium | 5911 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 301.5 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.4 g | ||
| Protein | 262.3 g | 525% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.3 mcg | 37% | |
| Calcium | 3563 mg | 274% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2692 mg | 57% | |
*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.
