Description
Grilled Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta
Enjoy a delightful meal of perfectly grilled chicken served over penne pasta with a rich and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried basil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
Drain and toss with olive oil and grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Place the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl or individual plates.
Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss to coat.
Top with sliced grilled chicken and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Enjoy!
This creamy chicken pasta is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. You can also add some steamed vegetables or a side salad for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed sequence. First, prep your chicken and start the grill. While the chicken rests after grilling, begin boiling your pasta water. As the pasta cooks, start your sauce. The timing works best if the sauce finishes just as the pasta is drained. Finally, combine everything while hot for the creamiest texture.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli. For a touch of sweetness, roasted cherry tomatoes or a crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce are excellent choices. A crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy parmesan flavor.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and grill chicken until 165°F, then rest. Boil penne until al dente, drain, and toss with oil and parmesan. For the sauce, simmer butter, garlic, and herbs, add cream and broth, thicken slightly, then melt in parmesan. Combine pasta with sauce, top with sliced chicken, and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well. Choose a shape that holds sauce effectively.
- How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk. The sauce will be lighter but still creamy.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently.
- Can I cook the chicken indoors? Yes. Use a grill pan, skillet, or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Is there a substitute for parmesan cheese? Aged Asiago or Pecorino Romano offer similar salty, umami flavors. Pre-grated “green can” parmesan does not melt as smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken, leading to dryness. Always use a meat thermometer.
- Adding the parmesan cheese to a boiling sauce, which can cause it to clump. Remove the sauce from heat or turn to low before stirring it in.
- Using the pasta cooking water without salting it adequately. The water should taste like the sea to season the pasta from within.
- Slicing the grilled chicken immediately after cooking. Letting it rest for 5 minutes ensures the juices redistribute.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal achievable in your own kitchen. By balancing simple, flavorful ingredients and following the key techniques outlined, you can create a consistently satisfying comfort food dish. Its versatility with sides and substitutions makes it a reliable recipe to return to for any weeknight or special gathering.