The Dreamiest Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight Recipe

Aromatic herb garlic chicken mingles perfectly with creamy, cheesy penne in this mouthwatering comfort dish.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a satisfying meal that warms your soul.

Imagine tender chicken pieces infused with robust herbal notes dancing among smooth, velvety pasta.

Fragrant garlic whispers through each delectable bite, promising a symphony of flavors waiting to excite your palate.

Soft cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats every pasta curve with rich, indulgent goodness.

Italian-inspired seasonings reinvent simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels both familiar and innovative.

You can love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.

Savor every forkful and let this delightful dish become your new go-to meal.

Ingredients for Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Rich cheeses that create a creamy, luxurious sauce with deep flavor complexity.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauce, provides substantial base for the meal.

• Heavy Cream: Smooth base that helps create rich, velvety cheese sauce texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Oregano, Thyme, Basil: Classic herb blend that enhances chicken's savory profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate overall dish flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds color and fresh herbal note to finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and prevents sticking, adds subtle flavor base.

How to Make Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Carefully drop penne pasta into the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until perfectly tender but still firm. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Dried basil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Generously sprinkle seasoning mix over chicken, ensuring even coverage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Sharp cheddar
• Creamy mozzarella
• Aged Parmesan

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, silky sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Transfer drained penne into the cheese sauce. Use a wooden spoon to coat every pasta piece thoroughly. Ensure each noodle glistens with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken

Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold chicken into the cheesy pasta mixture. Stir delicately to distribute chicken evenly without breaking pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Present

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Transfer to warm serving plates. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy.

Cooking Tips for Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in herbs and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify taste and tenderness.
• Perfect Cheese Sauce Consistency: Grate cheese fresh and add gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Pasta Cooking Precision: Salt the water generously and cook pasta just until al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Remove skillet from heat briefly when adding cheese to control temperature and keep sauce creamy and well-integrated.
• Herb Enhancement Technique: Toast dried herbs in the pan for 30 seconds before seasoning chicken to release deeper, more robust flavor profiles.

Storing Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Chill: Refrigerate the pasta dish for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to preserve taste and texture.
• Reheat: Warm the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chicken and pasta are heated through and the cheese sauce becomes creamy again.

What Goes Well with Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complements the herb-infused chicken.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted crusty bread with garlic butter enhances the herb and garlic flavors, allowing diners to soak up extra cheese sauce.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted zucchini or asparagus spears add nutritional balance and a subtle charred flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Variations for Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace oregano and thyme with za'atar spice blend and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies to transform the dish with a southwestern kick. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Light Protein Alternative: Use grilled shrimp or turkey breast instead of chicken. Add roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create a lighter version of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Cheese Pasta: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of olive oil and maintain the creamy cheese sauce for a plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

FAQs for Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight

• How long does it take to make this Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight?

The recipe takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

• Can I use different types of cheese for the sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute the suggested cheeses with similar melting cheeses like gouda, fontina, or provolone to create your own unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or a skillet, adding a splash of cream if the sauce needs refreshing.

• What can I do if the cheese sauce is too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more heavy cream or some pasta water to thin it out and achieve the desired creamy consistency.

Herb Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cheesy Penne at a Glance

• The combination of herb-seasoned chicken and rich, creamy cheese sauce creates an explosion of complementary tastes that dance perfectly on your palate.
• This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal cooking skills, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish and requiring only basic kitchen equipment.
• The creamy cheese sauce coating tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne offers a soul-warming experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
• The versatile recipe allows simple modifications like adding vegetables, swapping cheese types, or adjusting herb combinations to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Herb Garlic Chicken And Creamy Cheesy Penne Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired herb garlic chicken and creamy cheesy penne delight brings classic comfort with elegant Italian flair. Succulent chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich cheese create a perfect dinner that brings pure satisfaction to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Pasta and Dairy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and submerge the penne pasta, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm texture. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, allowing excess water to escape, and set aside.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm the olive oil over medium-high flame. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs and seasonings, ensuring each morsel is generously coated. Gently place the seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing it to sizzle and transform into a golden-brown delicacy.
3. Simultaneously, initiate the cheese sauce preparation in a separate pan. Melt the butter until it shimmers, then introduce heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, developing a rich consistency. Gradually incorporate the trio of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – whisking continuously until a smooth, velvety sauce emerges.
4. Transfer the cooked penne into the cheese sauce, carefully folding and coating each pasta piece with the creamy mixture, ensuring a uniform and decadent coverage.
5. Once the chicken achieves a perfect golden exterior and is thoroughly cooked, delicately fold the pieces into the cheese-laden pasta, creating a harmonious blend of protein and carbohydrates.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and fresh flavor profile by sprinkling finely chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant finishing touch before presenting this culinary masterpiece to eager diners.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible herb-infused chicken and cheesy pasta combo that combines restaurant-quality flavors with simple home cooking techniques.
• Carefully selecting high-quality herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil transforms ordinary chicken into a deeply aromatic main dish that complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
• Achieve perfectly tender chicken by cooking over medium-high heat and ensuring golden browning, which locks in moisture and develops a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Create a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce by gradually melting multiple cheese varieties and stirring continuously to prevent separation and ensure a silky texture.
• Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce, providing a delightful flavor and visual contrast.
• Prep and cook time is approximately 30 minutes, making this an ideal recipe for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 870
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 53g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 190mg