Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. This creamy pasta is rich in flavor and combines tender chicken with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that enhances the entire meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with optional spinach or cherry tomatoes to suit your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: A creamy pasta dish that kids will love, making it great for family meals.
• Elegant Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of chicken and sauce without crowding.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures the penne is cooked perfectly al dente.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup spinach (optional)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-6 minutes, letting it thicken.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If desired, stir in spinach and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving this delicious Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan. Enjoy!

How to Serve Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

Serving Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan is a delightful culinary experience. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with croutons and a creamy dressing complements the pasta’s richness.

Add Some Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast on top of your pasta enhances the protein content and makes it more filling.
• Shrimp Scampi: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter add a flavorful seafood twist to the dish.

Include Some Veggies

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and texture.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach, seasoned with garlic, blends well with the creamy pasta.

How to Perfect Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

To achieve the perfect Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your penne is cooked al dente for that perfect bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a bit can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
• Balance Flavors: Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary to achieve that ideal balance of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

Complementing your Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan can enhance your dining experience. Here are some side dishes that work wonderfully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into creamy sauce.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze offers a fresh burst of flavor.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa create a hearty accompaniment.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic reduction make a vibrant side.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative while adding color to your plate.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned roasted asparagus spears bring an earthy crunch that pairs well with creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan to the next level. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:

• Wrong Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooking or undercooking the penne pasta can affect the texture. Always follow package instructions and taste test for al dente perfection.
• Not Seasoning the Chicken Properly: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Be sure to season well with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
• Ignoring the Sauce Consistency: A sauce that is too thin won’t cling well to pasta. Allow the cream and cheese mixture to simmer until it thickens properly before combining with the pasta.
• Adding Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream or broth straight from the fridge can shock the sauce. Warm them slightly before adding to maintain a smooth consistency.
• Neglecting Optional Ingredients: Omitting spinach or cherry tomatoes means missing out on added nutrition and flavor. Consider including these for a more vibrant dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the pasta to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

• Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Portion out servings for easier thawing later.

Reheating Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti based on your preference.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

What can I serve with Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for added nutrition.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Just combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Penne Pasta With Garlic Parmesan is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources. Give this delightful recipe a try and impress your family and friends!