Looking for a comforting and flavorful chicken dinner? Try this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe. It combines a creamy sauce with fresh bruschetta for a family hit. The bruschetta mix, made with tomatoes, basil, and garlic, boosts the dish’s taste.
This recipe is a hit, with a 4.76 out of 5 rating from 109 votes. Each serving has 563 kcal, with 43g carbs, 31g protein, and 28g fat. It’s a favorite at home, with everyone asking for more. Plus, it’s easy to store leftovers for future meals.
Key Takeaways
- Highly-rated recipe: Scored 4.76 out of 5 from 109 votes
- Balanced nutrients: 563 kcal, 43g carbs, 31g protein, 28g fat per serving
- Simple ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan
- Flavor boost: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese recommended
- Easy preparation: Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner
- Versatile meal: Pairs well with garlic bread
- Handy leftovers: Guidelines for storing and savoring later
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne
This Creamy Pasta Recipe is a perfect Weeknight Dinner Idea. It combines ingredients that make it delicious. Let’s explore the key parts you need for this tasty Chicken Parmesan Pasta dish.
For the Chicken Pasta:
- 10 ounces of penne pasta (recommended brand: De Cecco)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (do not use sweet wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (anti-caking agents in pre-grated cheese can prevent melting)
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
These ingredients will make a creamy pasta dish perfect for any weeknight. For a detailed guide, check the full recipe on Erika Recipes.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 10 ounces | De Cecco brand recommended |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For cooking chicken |
| Chicken breasts | 2 | Boneless, skinless |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Unsalted |
| Shallot | 1 | Finely minced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Freshly minced |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons | All-purpose |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low-sodium |
| White wine | 1/2 cup | Dry, not sweet |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | For thickening sauce |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Blended herbs |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, for heat |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Freshly shredded |
| Grape tomatoes | 1 cup | Halved |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup | Finely chopped |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For topping |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tablespoon | For topping |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Minced, for toppings |
Step-by-Step Instructions
We’ll show you how to make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne in this guide. It’s a simple recipe that makes a delicious, filling meal. Follow these steps for each part of the dish.
Preparing the Bruschetta Topping
First, make the bruschetta topping. Chop tomatoes and basil leaves. Mix them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Let it sit while you do other steps.
Cooking the Penne Pasta
Boil a big pot of water and add salt. Put in the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, until it’s just right. Drain and set aside. This step is key for the right pasta texture.
Making the Parmesan Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and let it rest. Then, cut it into slices.
Preparing the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallot and garlic. Make a roux with flour, then add chicken broth and white wine. Simmer until it thickens. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, add chicken, and top with bruschetta. This makes a tasty dish.
Here’s a quick table for your cooking guide:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruschetta Topping | Chop tomatoes and basil, mix with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. |
| 2 | Cook Penne | Boil water, add salt, and cook penne pasta until al dente. |
| 3 | Parmesan Chicken | Season and pan-fry chicken breasts, then slice. |
| 4 | Create Sauce | Make a roux, then add chicken broth, wine, heavy cream, seasoning, and Parmesan. |
Tips and Tricks for the Best Flavor
To make your Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne dish even better, follow these best flavor tips. Start by picking the freshest ingredients. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in taste, much better than pre-packaged cheese.
Make sure to salt your pasta water well. This culinary technique seasons the pasta from the inside, preventing it from being bland. It adds depth to every bite.
When cooking the chicken, aim for a golden-brown outside. This not only looks good but also tastes better and is safer. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and full of flavor.
For the creamy sauce, mix in the freshly cooked pasta right away. This helps the pasta soak up the sauce, making each bite rich and enjoyable. A highly-rated recipe (4.79 average rating out of 51) shows this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, with quick prep and cooking.
Adding a bruschetta topping can bring a burst of freshness and acidity. This contrasts the creamy pasta nicely. For a comforting meal, serve with extra Parmesan cheese for a great garnish.
Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli boosts nutrition and adds texture and flavor. For more protein, include chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken. This adds about 2 cups of cooked chicken.
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the crucial ingredients and their impacts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream or half and half | 1 1/2 cups | Provides creamy richness |
| Chicken stock or chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Adds depth to the sauce |
| Freshly grated Parmesan | 1 1/2 cups | Key for flavor enhancement |
Remember to store leftovers properly. This dish can stay in the fridge for up to three days. These simple tips and tricks will make your Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne a true culinary delight, with layers of flavor in every bite.
What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne
Choosing the right dinner sides can make a big difference. It can enhance your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta experience. Selecting the right pasta pairings makes your meal complete and satisfying.
Garlic bread is a classic choice. It matches the creamy garlic sauce perfectly. Its crispy outside and soft inside are a great match for the pasta.
For a lighter option, try a green salad or Caesar salad. These salads add a crisp texture and a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta and chicken.
If you prefer vegetables, roasted cauliflower or broccoli are great. They blend well with the savory chicken and pasta. Steamed asparagus is also a good choice, adding a bright, tender touch to the meal.
Here’s a table with some complete meal ideas for your Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne:
| Side Dish | Description | Complementary Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | A classic side with a crispy crust and soft inside. | Enhances the garlic and buttery flavors of the main dish. |
| Green Salad | A light and refreshing mix of various greens. | Provides a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and cheese. | Pairs well with Parmesan flavors in the pasta. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Oven-roasted cauliflower or broccoli with olive oil and herbs. | Offers earthy and savory notes that complement the pasta. |
| Steamed Asparagus | Lightly steamed asparagus spears with lemon zest. | Provides a tender, bright addition to the meal. |
The goal is to create a balanced meal. By choosing the right pasta pairings and dinner sides, every bite of your Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne will be enjoyed fully.
Conclusion
This creamy Parmesan Chicken with penne is more than a meal; it’s a key part of your family’s dinner plans. It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish is rich and creamy, with a tangy bruschetta topping. It’s a culinary delight every time you make it.
This recipe is flexible, letting you change things up to your liking. You can use different pasta or swap the chicken for shrimp or ham. Adding sides like garlic bread or a green salad makes it even better.
It’s great for meal planning, serving 8 people. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Users have given it a 5-star rating, showing it’s a hit.
Make this dish a regular part of your family’s meals. It’s sure to bring joy and delicious flavors to your dinner table.
To make a memorable meal, follow the steps carefully. Watch the cooking times to get everything just right. This meal will not only please your taste buds but also add elegance to your family dinners.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne?
You’ll need 10 ounces of penne pasta, olive oil, and boneless skinless chicken breasts. Also, butter, shallot, garlic, flour, chicken broth, and white wine are needed. Heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese are essential. For the bruschetta, gather grape tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic.
How do I prepare the bruschetta topping?
Chop grape tomatoes and fresh basil. Mix them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Let it sit to blend the flavors.
What’s the best way to cook the penne pasta for this dish?
Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Salting the water adds flavor. Drain and set aside.
How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Set aside with the pasta.
How do I make the creamy Parmesan sauce?
Melt butter in a pan, then sauté shallot and garlic. Add flour for a roux, then chicken broth and white wine. Mix in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese for a smooth sauce.
What tips can enhance the flavor of this dish?
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor. Salt the pasta water and cook the chicken until golden. Mix hot pasta into the sauce to absorb flavors.
What sides go well with Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne?
Garlic bread is a great match. A green or Caesar salad adds a refreshing touch. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus balance the meal.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors improve over time.