Introduction
When it comes to comforting and satisfying meals, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce is a classic choice that never fails to impress. This delightful dish combines tender chicken coated in a crispy Parmesan crust with creamy penne pasta for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
To prepare Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
For the Creamy Penne Sauce:
– 1 pound penne pasta
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, in a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. In another dish, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Take each chicken breast and dip it first in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken alongside the Creamy Penne Sauce and enjoy!
Variations
There are several ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences:
– Substitute chicken with pork or veal for a different protein option.
– Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the Parmesan crust for extra flavor.
– Incorporate vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce for a pop of color and nutrients.
– Use different types of pasta such as fettuccine or rigatoni for a unique twist on the recipe.
Tips
For extra crispy chicken, you can finish it under the broiler for a minute or two after baking.
Make sure to season each component generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Feel free to add a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or pasta cooking water.
Conclusion
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce is a delightful and indulgent meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and rich flavors, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese for this recipe?
A: While freshly grated Parmesan will provide the best flavor, pre-grated cheese can be used as a time-saving alternative.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can substitute the chicken with breaded and baked eggplant slices for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
Q: Is it possible to make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving with freshly cooked chicken and pasta.
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Penne in Creamy Sauce
A delightful and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy Parmesan crust served with creamy penne pasta. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 eggs
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Salt
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Pepper
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Olive oil
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1 pound penne pasta
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2 cups heavy cream
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup butter
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper in another dish.
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Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
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Cook the chicken in olive oil until golden brown, then bake for 15-20 minutes.
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Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in butter, add heavy cream, and simmer.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, then add cooked pasta to the sauce.
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Serve the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Penne Sauce and enjoy!
