Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, a rich and velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of flavors will have your taste buds dancing, and the ease of preparation makes it a go-to meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) before serving.
- Freeze Leftovers: This pasta freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne