Flavor-Packed Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Recipe

Sizzling aromas of herb garlic chicken dance through the kitchen, promising a delectable midweek penne delight that will steal every heart.

Tender chicken pieces nestled with perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors.

The creamy, cheesy sauce wraps each pasta strand in pure comfort and warmth.

Fragrant herbs and robust garlic infuse every single bite with mouthwatering goodness.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted so incredible.

This simple yet impressive meal comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Dive into a plate of pure culinary bliss that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 1032 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Herb Garlic Chicken and Cheesy Penne

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when perfectly seasoned.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Oregano: Mediterranean herb bringing earthy and slightly peppery undertones.
• Thyme: Delicate herb with subtle minty and lemony notes.
• Basil: Bright, sweet herb that complements chicken beautifully.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.

• Penne Pasta: Tube-shaped pasta perfect for catching creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Butter: Adds rich, luxurious depth to cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, velvety texture for sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that melts wonderfully.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, mild creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty dimension to sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that introduces fresh herbal notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Final seasoning to balance cheese sauce flavors.

Cooking Tools for Herb Garlic Chicken and Penne

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect golden color.
• Medium skillet: Key for creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
• Pasta pot: Crucial for boiling and draining penne pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta and sauce without scratching pans.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping fresh parsley for garnish.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise parsley chopping.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked pasta efficiently.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning of chicken and sauce.

How to Make Herb Garlic Chicken and Cheesy Penne

• Pasta Foundation

Boil penne in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside, letting it rest while preparing other elements of the dish.

• Chicken Transformation

Heat a skillet with olive oil, then lovingly season chicken with aromatic herbs and spices. Sizzle the pieces until they turn golden and develop a beautiful crispy exterior, ensuring each morsel is cooked through.

• Cheese Sauce Magic

In a separate pan, create a luxurious sauce by melting butter and stirring in rich cream. Gradually introduce a trio of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – whisking until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

• Culinary Symphony

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the velvety cheese sauce, making sure every piece is generously coated. Add the perfectly cooked chicken, blending all components into a harmonious and mouthwatering dish.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips for Bold Flavor in This Chicken Penne

• Flavor Boosters: Elevate the garlic herb profile by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat and depth.
• Cheese Swirl Secrets: Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or creamy fontina to create unique flavor layers in the sauce.
• Veggie Power-Up: Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to add extra nutrition and vibrant colors to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and cheese sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, which makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to keep the sauce creamy and delicious for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Herb Garlic Chicken and Cheesy Penne

• Fresh Herbal Sprinkle: Elevate the dish with additional chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives scattered on top for an extra burst of aromatic flavor.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the creamy, cheesy pasta with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crispy Texture Topper: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons over the pasta to add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
• Side Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light, zesty green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta and provide a fresh, balanced meal experience.

How to Keep Penne Fresh and Later

• Meal Stashing Strategy: Store leftover pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, keeping them fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency. Microwave works too, but stir frequently to prevent drying out.
• Smart Prep Tip: Chop herbs and grate cheeses in advance, then store separately. This makes weeknight cooking faster and helps maintain the dish's vibrant flavors when you're short on time.

Tender Herb Garlic Chicken and Cheesy Penne Feast

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Simple Mediterranean herb garlic chicken and creamy cheesy penne delight combines Italian and Greek flavors for a comforting meal. Home cooks can enjoy this elegant pasta dish that brings warmth and rich taste to weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) chicken fillets, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• parsley, fresh, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge penne in a generously salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander and reserve.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season chicken with herb blend, then expertly sear until achieving a golden-brown exterior, ensuring complete internal cooking.
3. Cheese Sauce Creation: In a separate pan, melt butter and introduce heavy cream, generating a silky foundation. Progressively whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until transforming into a luxuriously smooth sauce.
4. Pasta Fusion: Integrate cooked penne into the cheese sauce, thoroughly coating each pasta strand with the creamy mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
5. Final Assembly: Gently incorporate seared chicken pieces into the cheese-infused pasta, ensuring an even distribution. Garnish with finely chopped parsley to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and visual presentation, then serve immediately to capture maximum culinary excellence.

Notes

Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook penne just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite with slight resistance.

Control Cheese Sauce Consistency: Stir continuously while adding cheese to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky texture without graininess.

Season Strategically: Layer herb and seasoning application on chicken before cooking to maximize flavor penetration and create a deeper taste profile.

Temperature Management: Maintain medium-high heat when sautéing chicken to develop a golden-brown crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 1032
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 66 g
• Saturated Fat: 33 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 225 mg