Description
This creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne features tender diced chicken sautéed in butter and garlic, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a luscious three-cheese sauce made from ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, this comforting dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- Splash of pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to low and add ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the pasta with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the remaining parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley or Italian seasoning. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute Italian seasoning with fresh basil or oregano for a different herb flavor.
- A splash of pasta water is crucial to adjust the sauce’s consistency and help it coat the pasta smoothly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
- You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
