Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring juicy chicken and a blend of three cheeses that bring comfort to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the sliced chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the cream mixture: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
- Incorporate the cream cheese: Stir until smooth, gradually mixing in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses until thick and glossy.
- Combine the penne: Toss in the drained penne pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Slice and serve: Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
For variations, try using whole wheat pasta, adding vegetables, or substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, creamy pasta, family dinner, comfort food, cheesy penne