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- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil To start, you need good, sturdy penne pasta. It holds the sauce nicely. Next, grab a pound of chicken breast. Dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating. Lastly, add olive oil for sautéing. This will give your chicken a lovely flavor. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For that rich, creamy sauce, you need heavy cream. It makes the dish extra dreamy. Then, get mozzarella cheese to create a gooey texture. Sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese for a sharp kick. Finally, don't forget Italian seasoning. This mix of herbs adds warmth and depth to every bite. - 1 small onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Now, let’s brighten up the dish with veggies. Start with a small onion and chop it finely. Garlic is next; three cloves will give great flavor. We need cherry tomatoes too. Halve them for sweetness and color. And for a fresh touch, use basil leaves as a garnish. They will add a pop of flavor and a lovely look. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. You want it bubbling well before adding the pasta. Once boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After that, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. After it's done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a small onion, chopped, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This step builds a great base for your sauce. Lower the heat, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated. Let this mixture cook on low heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This warms everything through. You can add more cream if the sauce needs thinning. Finally, adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Serve your dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To make the cheese sauce pop, you can try different cheese types. I love using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella gives it that gooey stretch, while Parmesan adds a nice sharp taste. You can also experiment with cheddar or gouda for a unique twist. For the right creaminess, keep the heat low when adding cream. Stir it gently to blend everything smoothly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or more cream. This keeps it light and dreamy. To ensure your chicken is juicy, choose boneless chicken breast. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden. This locks in moisture and flavor. You can also grill or bake the chicken. Grilling adds a nice char, while baking keeps it tender. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time. Overcooking will dry it out. Timing is key when cooking pasta and sauce. Cook the penne until al dente, then drain it quickly. This way, the pasta stays firm and absorbs the sauce flavor. To prevent overcooking, check the pasta a minute before the package time ends. If you're making the sauce at the same time, keep the pasta warm. Toss it with a bit of oil to keep it from sticking. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. This will help it hold up well when combined with the creamy sauce. Chicken Tips: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses such as cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile in your sauce. Fresh Elements: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end enhances the dish's flavor and adds a pop of color. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish if you want. Here are some easy swaps: - Alternative proteins: Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken. Each option brings a new taste. - Dairy-free options: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. Use dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture. If you want a meat-free meal, it’s simple! - Removing chicken and adding more vegetables: Skip the chicken and add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Make this dish even more exciting with extra flavors. - Spicy variations: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to bring some heat. This gives a nice kick to the creamy sauce. - Adding herbs and spices: Try fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also mix in garlic powder or smoked paprika for a unique twist. To keep your cheesy chicken pasta fresh, you need to store it properly. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to use it within three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, divide the pasta into single servings. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it comes to reheating, a few methods work best. The microwave is quick and easy. Just place your portion in a bowl, cover it, and heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you want a better texture, use a skillet. Heat it on low, adding a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. This method helps keep your cheesy chicken pasta creamy and delicious. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Here are some recommended alternatives: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Rigatoni - Spaghetti Each shape holds the cheese sauce well. Choose what you have on hand or what you like best. Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and chicken in advance. - Store them in separate containers. - Keep the cheese sauce in another container. This helps keep everything fresh. You can mix them before eating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Here are some suggestions: - Prepare the whole dish and let it cool. - Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. - Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This way, you enjoy a warm meal without much fuss! This blog post covered all you need to make a tasty chicken pasta dish. We discussed the key ingredients, from penne pasta to fresh basil, and how to cook them perfectly. You learned how to make a creamy cheese sauce and combine everything for the best taste. Don’t forget the variations and tips for storing leftovers. With these ideas, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. I hope you find joy in cooking and sharing this meal with others!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with diced chicken and fresh tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes to the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
  • Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat so everything warms through, adding more cream if the sauce needs thinning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to taste and add more cream if needed.
Keyword cheesy, chicken, comfort food, pasta