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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Submerge penne in a generously salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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