Easy Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe
Want a tasty Italian dish without spending hours cooking? Try this Parmesan Chicken Penne for a quick, delicious dinner. It brings restaurant-quality taste to your home.
Picture tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a dish everyone will love. Your family will ask for more.
This recipe is great for busy cooks or beginners in Italian cooking. It’s easy to make and doesn’t need complicated steps. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal that looks and tastes like it’s from Italy.
Ready to make a quick, satisfying pasta dish? This recipe shows that gourmet meals can be easy and amazing.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Penne
To make a tasty Parmesan Chicken Penne, you need more than a recipe. It’s about picking top-notch ingredients and the right tools. These help bring out amazing flavors.
Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Great pasta starts with the best ingredients. For the chicken, choose fresh, organic chicken that’s seasoned well. Your tomato basil sauce should use ripe tomatoes for a sweet taste.
- Fresh parmesan cheese (aged for complex flavor)
- Ripe, vibrant tomatoes
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
Must-Have Kitchen Equipment
For perfect pasta, you need some key tools. A big, heavy pot cooks pasta evenly. A sharp knife is for precise cutting. A cast-iron skillet is great for searing chicken and garlic bread crumbs.
- Large pasta pot
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cast-iron skillet
- Cutting board
- Colander
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
Cooking is all about being flexible. For dietary needs, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Vegetarians can use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. You can also swap tomato basil sauce for a creamier option.
“Great cooking is about ingredients and how to prepare them.” – Wolfgang Puck
Pro tip: Make your own garlic bread crumbs. Toast bread, then mix with minced garlic. This adds crunch and flavor to your dish.
Step-by-Step Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe
Making a tasty bruschetta chicken pasta recipe is easy. This one-pot dish is a healthy meal that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Let’s go through the steps together.
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
- Chop fresh basil and garlic
- Measure out Parmesan cheese
- Cook the ChickenHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. This step ensures your protein is tender and flavorful.
- Create the Pasta BaseAdd penne pasta and chicken broth to the same skillet. The one-pot approach simplifies cleanup while infusing more flavor into your dish. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the DishStir in cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Let the sauce thicken naturally, coating the pasta and chicken with a rich, creamy texture. The result is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil just before serving.
This bruschetta chicken pasta recipe turns a simple dinner into a memorable meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Recipe card
Dive into this delightful Italian cuisine recipe that turns an easy dinner into a restaurant-quality meal. Our Parmesan Chicken Penne recipe brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pasta pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Fresh Ingredients List
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Simple Cooking Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Cook chicken in skillet until golden brown
- Combine pasta and chicken
- Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese
- Garnish with fresh parsley
This easy dinner recipe brings the best of Italian cuisine to your table in less than 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create a delicious meal everyone will love.
“Cooking is about passion, and this Parmesan Chicken Penne captures the heart of home cooking!” – Chef’s Recommendation
Tips for Making Restaurant-Style Italian Pasta at Home
To make Parmesan Chicken Penne like a pro, you need to master a few key techniques. Chefs know that the secret is in the details. They turn a simple dish into a memorable meal.
Mastering Your Tomato Basil Sauce
For a perfect tomato basil sauce, start with fresh, ripe tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer slowly. This step makes the flavors rich and the sauce velvety, sticking well to your pasta.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor
- Simmer sauce on low heat for at least 30 minutes
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its vibrant taste
Pasta Cooking Techniques
Cooking pasta is an art. Salt the water well and cook until it’s al dente. It should be firm but not hard.
“Great pasta is about precision and passion” – Italian Cooking Wisdom
Preparing the Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
Your grilled chicken breast can make the dish shine. Marinate the chicken for flavor and use a thermometer for perfect doneness. Add garlic bread crumbs for extra taste and texture.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes
- Grill at medium-high heat
- Let chicken rest before slicing
- Top with crispy garlic bread crumbs
With these pro techniques, your homemade Parmesan Chicken Penne will wow everyone. It will be a meal that impresses family and friends.
Conclusion
This bruschetta chicken pasta recipe lets home cooks turn a simple meal into a fancy dining experience. You can try different cooking styles, from classic to one-pot pasta. It’s all about exploring and finding what you like best.
Making a healthy meal doesn’t mean it can’t taste great. With fresh ingredients and the right techniques, anyone can make amazing pasta. This recipe is full of protein, carbs, and veggies, perfect for families looking for tasty, healthy dinners.
Your journey with Parmesan Chicken Penne is just starting. Feel free to change things up, try new ingredients, or add your own twist. Cooking is all about being creative and having fun, so go ahead and make it your own.
We encourage pasta lovers and home cooks to share their stories, changes, and photos. Your kitchen is a place for creativity, and this recipe is just the start of many delicious adventures.
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare Parmesan Chicken Penne?
It takes about 30-35 minutes to prepare and cook. This makes it a great choice for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Replace the chicken with tofu, grilled portobello mushrooms, or chickpeas. This way, you can enjoy a tasty vegetarian version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. Also, make sure your bread crumbs are gluten-free. You can easily swap out ingredients to fit dietary needs.
What sides pair well with Parmesan Chicken Penne?
It pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or a light Caesar salad. These sides enhance the dish’s rich flavors.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add chicken broth or water to keep the sauce moist.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To keep the best texture, freeze the chicken and pasta separately.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the top choice. But, Pecorino Romano or a mix of Parmesan and Asiago also work well for a rich flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Use spicy Italian sausage or add jalapeños for more heat.

Parmesan Chicken Penne
Equipment
- Large pasta pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Cook chicken in skillet until golden brown
- Combine pasta and chicken
- Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese
- Garnish with fresh parsley
