Cheesy Grilled Chicken Penne Bake
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Cheesy Grilled Chicken Penne Bake. Tender penne pasta combines with succulent grilled chicken, a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, and a trio of Italian cheeses, creating a comforting dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Topped with a fresh bruschetta made from juicy tomatoes and fragrant garlic, this delightful one-dish meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most rewarding.
2
Servings
615
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
2 (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup (Used for marinating chicken)
Penne pasta
3 cups (Cooked according to package instructions)
Alfredo sauce
15 ounces (Ready to use)
Italian cheese blend
8 ounces (Shredded (preferably fresh Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone))
Tomatoes
4 (Chopped for bruschetta)
Basil
1 teaspoon (Dried or fresh, used in bruschetta)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (Minced for bruschetta)
Olive oil
6 tablespoons (Used for bruschetta mixture)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinating them in the Italian salad dressing for approximately 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
2
While the chicken marinates, finely chop the tomatoes and combine them with olive oil, minced garlic, and basil to create a refreshing bruschetta mix. Set the bruschetta aside.
3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4
Grill or broil the marinated chicken pieces until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
5
In two microwave-safe bowls, evenly divide the cooked penne pasta.
6
Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the pasta in each bowl, ensuring it covers the noodles thoroughly.
7
Layer the bruschetta mixture over the Alfredo sauce, followed by the grilled chicken pieces.
8
Top generously with the shredded Italian cheese blend.
9
Microwave each bowl for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Adjust microwave time depending on whether the dish has been previously chilled.
10
Serve hot with warm garlic bread for a complete meal experience. This dish can also be prepared in advance in individual bowls and microwaved just before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
70g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Grilled Chicken Penne Bake?
It is a comforting dish that combines tender penne pasta with succulent grilled chicken, a rich Alfredo sauce, a trio of Italian cheeses, and a fresh tomato-garlic bruschetta topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated in Italian salad dressing for approximately 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor.
What ingredients are needed for the bruschetta topping?
The bruschetta is made from 4 chopped tomatoes, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of basil.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of penne pasta cooked al dente.
How do I cook the chicken?
Grill or broil the marinated chicken pieces for 6 to 8 minutes until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
Which cheeses are included in the Italian cheese blend?
The blend preferably includes fresh Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Provolone.
How much Alfredo sauce is required?
You will need 15 ounces of ready-to-use Alfredo sauce.
What is the assembly process for the bowls?
Divide the cooked penne into two bowls, pour the Alfredo sauce over the noodles, layer the bruschetta mixture, add grilled chicken, and top with the cheese blend.
How long should the dish be microwaved?
Microwave each bowl for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the individual bowls in advance and microwave them just before you are ready to serve.
What should I serve as a side for this meal?
Warm garlic bread is a recommended accompaniment for a complete meal experience.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 615 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 40g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 70g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of olive oil specifically for the bruschetta mixture.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh basil?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of dried basil or fresh basil for the bruschetta.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with minimal prep and cooking time, it is described as a simple and rewarding meal.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken breasts should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much Italian dressing is used for the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of Italian salad dressing.
Is this dish suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is perfect for both cozy dinners and entertaining guests due to its delightful fusion of flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this dish.
Does the recipe specify a serving size in weight?
No, the serving size is listed as null, but the recipe makes 2 servings total.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Main tags include one dish meal, chicken penne, pasta bake, and Italian cuisine.
Should the microwave time be adjusted if the dish was chilled?
Yes, you should adjust the microwave time depending on whether the dish has been previously chilled.
What kind of chicken is used?
The recipe uses 2 chicken breasts.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content is not specified in the provided data.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, the rich Alfredo sauce and trio of cheeses make it a very hearty and satisfying comfort food.