Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty goodness of Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce. This indulgent yet simple recipe combines the crispy goodness of parmesan-crusted chicken with the rich creaminess of a decadent penne pasta sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the details of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients
Before you embark on this culinary journey, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:
For the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten
For the Creamy Penne Sauce:
– 1 pound penne pasta
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. While the chicken is baking, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
6. In a separate pan, heat the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the heavy cream and chicken broth.
7. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
9. Serve the creamy penne pasta alongside the parmesan-crusted chicken, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variations
While the classic Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to get creative with some variations:
– Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the creamy sauce for a burst of flavor and color.
– Swap the penne pasta for fettuccine or linguine for a different pasta experience.
– Incorporate cooked bacon or pancetta into the creamy sauce for a smoky twist.
– For a touch of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish before serving.
Tips
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce turns out perfectly every time:
– Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating to ensure they cook evenly.
– Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
– Don’t overcook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
– Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce is a delightful dish that strikes the perfect balance between crispy, creamy, and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this recipe is a must-try. Impress your loved ones or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home with this indulgent creation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used for this dish, you can certainly use skin-on chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce in advance and reheat it gently before tossing with the cooked pasta. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for breaded and baked eggplant slices or tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Simply adjust the cooking time for the eggplant or tofu as needed.
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce
A delightful dish that combines crispy parmesan-crusted chicken with a rich and creamy penne pasta sauce, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
-
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
-
While the chicken is baking, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
-
In a separate pan, heat the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the heavy cream and chicken broth.
-
Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
-
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
-
Serve the creamy penne pasta alongside the parmesan-crusted chicken, garnished with fresh parsley.
