Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent dish that’s easy to make yet sure to impress, look no further than Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce. This rich, flavorful meal combines crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving something indulgent, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

1. Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

What makes this dish so irresistible is the combination of textures and flavors. The Parmesan-crusted chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, while the creamy pasta adds a comforting, smooth, and rich contrast. The tangy Parmesan in the sauce enhances the flavor of the chicken, making each bite a perfect balance of savory goodness. Plus, the recipe is incredibly simple, with only a few ingredients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to treat yourself to something special.

2. The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, which come together perfectly for a delicious meal:

4 boneless chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, coated with Parmesan for that crispy, flavorful crust.

2 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and to give it that golden crust.

12 oz penne pasta: The pasta acts as the base for the creamy sauce and complements the chicken perfectly.

1 cup heavy cream: The key ingredient for the creamy sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken.

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds the signature flavor to both the chicken crust and the creamy sauce.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce with a fragrant aroma.

1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the creamy sauce.

Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.

Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of freshness to brighten the dish.

3. How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce

This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Press each chicken breast into the Parmesan mixture until well-coated.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for the sauce if needed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the cream cook down for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Stir in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Slice the Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors of the chicken and pasta.

4. Tips for the Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken

While this recipe is simple, here are a few tips to ensure your Parmesan-crusted chicken is as flavorful and crispy as possible:

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly in the sauce, so freshly grated cheese works best for both the crust and the sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure there is enough space in the skillet for each piece to brown evenly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

Let the chicken rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

5. Variations to Try

While this Parmesan-crusted chicken with penne in creamy sauce is amazing as is, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

Add vegetables: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Use a different pasta: Swap the penne for any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni.

Spicy kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

Lemon zest: For a refreshing twist, sprinkle some lemon zest over the finished dish to brighten up the flavors.

6. How to Make It Ahead of Time

This Parmesan-crusted chicken with creamy pasta is perfect for making ahead. If you’re preparing it in advance:

Make the sauce and pasta: You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

Reheat properly: To reheat, simply heat the pasta and sauce over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to bring it back to the right consistency. Heat the chicken separately to preserve its crispy crust, then slice it just before serving.

7. Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~450 calories

Protein: 35 grams

Carbs: 40 grams

Fat: 25 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Sugar: 2 grams

This dish offers a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal without the need for excess calories.

8. Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce isn’t just a weeknight dinner—it’s a dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions:

Date night: This creamy, flavorful dish will definitely impress your partner. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a romantic evening at home.

Family dinner: Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this dish will please everyone at the dinner table, from kids to adults.

Special celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, this recipe adds a touch of indulgence without requiring hours of preparation.

9. Final Thoughts

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, cheesy sauce, crispy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish brings the flavors you love with a minimal effort.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an indulgent meal that your family will love and rave about. Try this recipe today and enjoy a deliciously satisfying dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.

This article provides everything you need to know about making Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce, including tips, variations, and storage advice. With minimal prep time and big flavor, this dish is a winner for any occasion.

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