Description
A comforting one-skillet dinner featuring seasoned chicken bites, tender penne pasta, and a rich three-cheese cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 8 oz dry penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Scoop out 1/2 cup pasta water, drain the penne, and set aside.
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Toss them with garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Brown the chicken bites. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Start the sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the roux. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter, stirring continuously for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to dissolve lumps.
- Add the cream. Pour in the heavy cream, remaining salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Melt the cheeses. Turn the heat to low. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan a handful at a time until melted.
- Combine and finish. Add the drained penne and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until coated. Optional: stir in reserved pasta water for consistency. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Optionally, stir in spinach or add crushed red pepper for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 860
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 36g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 235mg
Keywords: easy pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, one skillet dinner