Cheesy Chicken Penne Delight
Indulge in the creamy goodness of our Cheesy Chicken Penne Delight, a homemade rendition inspired by your favorite restaurant dish. This comforting pasta meal features tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty Italian dressing, tossed with al dente penne pasta, and generously smothered in rich Alfredo sauce. Topped with a flavorful blend of Italian cheeses and fresh tomatoes, this dish is perfect for lunch or a snack. Serve it hot alongside garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that your family will love, all at a fraction of the cost of dining out!
5
Servings
360
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
2 cups (chopped)
Italian dressing
1/3 cup (for marinating)
penne pasta
3 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
alfredo sauce
15 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
Italian shredded cheese
8 ounces (for topping)
tomatoes
4 (chopped)
basil
1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
olive oil
6 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with Italian dressing and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tomato mixture by chopping the tomatoes and combining them with olive oil, basil, and minced garlic. Set aside for later use.
3
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
4
After marinating, grill the chicken until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the Alfredo sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
6
Layer the pasta mixture in a serving dish, followed by the grilled chicken pieces and the chopped tomato mixture.
7
Sprinkle an even layer of shredded Italian cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken.
8
Microwave the dish on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Serve hot with garlic bread for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
30g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Penne Delight?
It is a comforting homemade pasta dish featuring grilled chicken, al dente penne, alfredo sauce, and melted Italian cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of Cheesy Chicken Penne Delight?
There are 360 calories per serving.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for penne pasta, cooked until al dente.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes.
What is used to marinate the chicken?
Zesty Italian dressing is used as the marinade.
What ingredients are in the tomato mixture?
The mixture consists of chopped tomatoes, olive oil, basil, and minced garlic.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 2 cups of chopped chicken breasts.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
What kind of sauce is used in this dish?
A rich Alfredo sauce is used to coat the pasta.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use 15 ounces of either store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
8 ounces of shredded Italian cheese blend is used.
How is the cheese melted in this recipe?
The dish is microwaved on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What side dish goes well with this pasta?
It is recommended to serve this hot alongside garlic bread.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 24g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 16g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh basil?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of dried basil or fresh basil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much olive oil is used?
6 tablespoons of olive oil are used for the tomato mixture.
How much penne pasta do I need?
You need 3 cups of cooked penne pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for lunch or a snack.
How many tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 4 chopped tomatoes.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the chopped chicken with Italian dressing to marinate.
How do I prepare the tomato mixture?
Chop the tomatoes and combine them with olive oil, basil, and minced garlic, then set aside.
How is the dish layered?
Layer the pasta and sauce mixture first, followed by grilled chicken and then the tomato mixture.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a homemade version of restaurant favorites.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
What makes this a 'Delight' recipe?
The combination of zesty marinated chicken, creamy alfredo, and fresh tomato-garlic topping creates a rich flavor profile.
Is the chicken grilled or boiled?
The chicken is grilled after it has finished marinating.