Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting chicken penne dish that elevates a classic recipe with a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine and serve: Add chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Enhance the dish with steamed broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
