Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Mozzarella Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
1½ lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ cup mozzarella, shredded (for chicken)
½ cup Parmesan, grated (for chicken)
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
¾ cup mozzarella, shredded (for sauce)
¾ cup Parmesan, grated (for sauce)
2 oz cream cheese, softened
Parsley, chopped or dried, for garnish
Directions:
1. Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Save ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Cajun if using. Heat olive oil with 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
3. Add half the garlic and 1 tbsp butter to the chicken. Sprinkle in ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan. Stir until melted over the chicken, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the last tbsp of butter. Add remaining garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in cream and broth. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
6. Stir in the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and thick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Toss penne into the sauce until coated. Add a splash of pasta water if it feels too thick.
8. Plate the penne with cheesy garlic chicken on top or mixed in. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 840 per serving