Description
Indulgent creamy Italian chicken pasta delivers a symphony of rich flavors straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken meld together, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Finishing:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta in boiling water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Incorporate shredded chicken into the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until completely heated and slightly golden.
- Gradually pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Blend Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the cream sauce, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with sauce.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish.
- Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and sauce is creamy.
Notes
- Enhance the dish’s protein content by using grilled or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor depth.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the pasta.
- Keep pasta al dente to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese variations like Romano or Pecorino for unique flavor profiles that complement the Italian seasoning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg