Chicken and Penne Parmesan Recipe
Description:
This Chicken and Penne Parmesan recipe is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, perfect for those cozy family dinners or when you’re craving a comforting meal. With tender chicken, savory penne pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different tastes, as you can easily swap out the asparagus for broccoli if preferred. Even the pickiest of eaters, like your 3-year-old grandson, won’t be able to resist gobbling up every last bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3-4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 2/3 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 339
- Fat Content: 13.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 53.1mg
- Sodium Content: 634.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.5g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 1.8g
- Protein Content: 22.8g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | In a 5-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink. |
| 2. | Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. |
| 3. | Add the uncooked penne pasta and ground black pepper to the saucepan, stirring to coat the pasta with the liquid. |
| 4. | Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking. |
| 5. | After 7 minutes, add the chopped asparagus to the saucepan. Continue cooking for another 7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. |
| 6. | Meanwhile, in a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the milk and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. |
| 7. | Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, stir in the milk and Parmesan mixture into the chicken and pasta. |
| 8. | Heat the mixture until it just comes to a boil. |
| 9. | Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish before serving. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Chicken and Penne Parmesan hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with family and friends, and watch as they fall in love with its creamy, cheesy goodness!
Keywords:
Chicken, Penne, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, < 60 Mins
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add in extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.
