Mega Chicky Cheesy Penne Pasta
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Mega Chicky Cheesy Penne Pasta recipe! Packed with tender, golden-browned chicken pieces, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a hint of fragrant oregano, this dish is a dream for cheese lovers. The sauce blends rich heavy cream and milk with a touch of chicken broth for added depth, while sautéed garlic and onions provide an aromatic base. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this hearty, crowd-pleasing meal comes together in just an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Whether you're seeking a cheesy pasta bake alternative or a flavorful twist on classic penne, this recipe delivers indulgence in every bite.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 500 grams chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped onion until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream to create a smooth sauce.
Step 6
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it’s melted and creamy. Mix in the oregano, a pinch of paprika, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 7
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and stir to combine well.
Step 8
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy chicken mixture.
Step 9
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2422.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4869.9 |
| Total Fat 240.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 121.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g | |
| Cholesterol 1016.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7735.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 358.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 31.8g | |
| Protein 303.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3281.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3635.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories